Pole ownership isn't a clear cut thing, and cities are cagey around erecting new poles. So using existing poles requires paying someone money, or is impossible

Pole ownership isn't a clear cut thing, and cities are cagey around erecting new poles. So using existing poles requires paying someone money, or is impossible due to local telecom monopolies. Either way, microtrenching is very cheap and attractive, though it has maintenance issues in areas with large climate swings.