3.4. Placement of elements of electronic communications on unsurfaced areas alongside roads Problem Identification At present, elements of the public communications network are primarily placed under roads, both in urban and non-urban areas. In terms of the costs of development, such approach is not effective, as the placement of elements of public communications networks in road infrastructures is in some cases up to four times more expensive than the use of unsurfaced areas alongside roads. In addition, the placement of network elements in road infrastructures also poses an increased burden on citizens of municipalities as a result of the necessary restriction of the use of road infrastructures during the development of public communications networks. In view of this, some municipalities already have already supported the placement of elements of public communications networks on unsurfaced areas alongside roads. However, in terms of the entire territory of the state, such approach is rather exceptional, and many municipalities (such as Prague) forbid the placement of utilities on unsurfaced areas alongside roads. Therefore, an appropriate solution would be to allow the placement of the public communications network in the municipality’s built-up areas alongside roads. Proposed Measures Measure A To make an analysis of benefits of the placement of elements of electronic communications network on unsurfaced areas alongside roads. Measure B To start discussions with representatives of regional, city and municipal self-governing authorities and electronic communications network operators on the possibility of placement of elements of electronic communications networks on unsurfaced areas alongside roads. Measure C Discussion of the possibility of amendments of the relevant legislation to lay down conditions for the placement of elements of the public communications network on unsurfaced areas alongside roads. Responsibility Responsible party: Ministry of Industry and Trade Cooperation: Ministry of Regional Development Ministry of Transport Association of Regions of the Czech Republic Association of Towns and Municipalities of the Czech Republic Association of Local Authorities of the Czech Republic Planning horizon Measure A, Measure B 15