Texas internet connectivity declining due to blackouts

Tue Feb 16 14:38:11 UTC 2021

> On Feb 16, 2021, at 8:25 AM, Mike Hammett <nanog at ics-il.net> wrote:
> 
> It's cheaper to build 2x, 3x, 4x the aerial plant than to build 1x the underground plant.
> 
> The actual cost per foot is more like 10x difference, but there are right of way, maintenance, etc. costs to factor in as well.
> 

Labor is something in 8x but the permit/engineering cost is usually the same per foot, but the make-ready on poles can make underground competitive or more like 1.5x when you fully bake the costs.  Really depends on pole distances and quality.  O&M long-term is lower on underground vs aerial.

- Jared