Re: Texas internet connectivity declining due to blackouts

["Rafael Possamai" <rafael () thinkpad io>]

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 () unitedcablecompany com>
To: Peter Beckman <beckman () angryox com>
Cc: "nanog () nanog org" <nanog () 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.