Providers must report planned underground work before construction

Telecommunications and broadband providers must notify the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority before building certain underground facilities. This applies to underground facilities in public roads, streets, and other public rights-of-way, including those longer than 500 feet and shorter facilities. The notice must describe the facility and its location. Notice is due at least 30 days before construction for facilities longer than 500 feet, and at least five days before construction for other facilities.

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority must publish information about proposed underground facilities. The information is about proposed facilities covered by the provider notice rules. The authority chooses how to make the information accessible to interested people and organizations. This requirement takes effect October 1, 2026.

Providers must notify the Department of Transportation about excavation work tied to an underground facility in state highway rights-of-way. This applies to excavation work undertaken while building an underground facility in state highway rights-of-way. The notice must describe the facility, give its location, and list providers that will use it when it is built. This requirement takes effect October 1, 2026.