Texas internet connectivity declining due to blackouts

Wed Feb 17 13:09:00 UTC 2021

Buried high voltage lines require expensive/complex insulation (oil, etc). It's really expensive to build and to maintain these at enormous scale like the continental USA. Not saying it's not possible, but definitely challenging. Repairing damage to these lines is a lot more complicated than splicing fiber (freeze plugs, huge holes in the ground, etc). Most HV aerial lines can be repaired online with helicopters, whereas the stuff in the ground needs to come offline for any sort of repair involving the conductors.

I think because one USA state is the size of an entire EU country (or larger) then your HV lines would  have to span multiple states (several countries in Europe), it'd be an insane effort to build and maintain these for 50+ years.

----- Original message -----
From: Rod Beck <rod.beck at unitedcablecompany.com>
To: Peter Beckman <beckman at angryox.com>
Cc: "nanog at nanog.org" <nanog at nanog.org>
Subject: Re: Texas internet connectivity declining due to blackouts
Date: Wednesday, February 17, 2021 03:17

I have lived in France and now Hungary. I have never seen power lines above ground, but I have heard there are some in rural France. 

I disagree with your conclusion - essential infrastructure should be buried if possible. The US makes too many excuses for second rate performance. Level3 buried its infrastructure. This is a case where sacrificing short term profits for better long term performance is well worth it. 