When you build networks you always work with averages. How many subscribers per mile on average, how many Mbps of IP transit per subscriber on average. Averages

When you build networks you always work with averages. How many subscribers per mile on average, how many Mbps of IP transit per subscriber on average. Averages are useful and used to determine feasibility, cost and profitability. Population density is a useful average to estimate things with, including network buildout costs. If you want a better estimator we can use linear density. The US has 321 million people and 4 million miles of roads. Finland has 5.5 million people and 282 thousand miles of roads. US: 80 people per mile Finland: 20 people per mile By this estimate average cost for a network that covers all roads, and thus all permanent residences and businesses, would be significantly cheaper in the US than in Finland.