I live on a hill in the sticks in Vermont at the end of the line for the local distribution network. We lost power for 4 days in the ‘big one’ just before Christmas. First priority when we got the house: backup power.

Think about how we are getting broadband throughout the state and how long that is taking. Consider that process is an absolute cakewalk when we are using existing poles and alignments.

Now think about burying the lines - many will be in existing roadways, many are across private property. Property rights, environmental permits, changing pathways if an existing aerial alignment cannot be followed.

This is a massive effort.

If we talk cost, consider the poles with transformers. A utility company rep told me shifting a transformer from the top of a pole to an underground concrete vault could cost $100k minimum under ideal conditions.