me (iliana): what if I had the resources to make a mesh network
a friend: did you know you can just become a CLEC and get pole access?
@ky0ko who knows, maybe!
it'll depend on how much the utility companies want to charge but I think the law states that they have to offer it
@wobscale Wait, you can do that?
@aschmitz@lardbucket.org maybe! we have no idea how much money seattle city light wants for pole access though
@wobscale Cool! Some quick searching indicates it may be a headache depending on state and locality, but maybe a bearable one. Good luck!
@wobscale I have dealt with a few CLECs and aspirational CLECs and unfortunately it takes considerable time and lawyer fees to register as a CLEC in a US state.
once that is done, you have to abide by the ILEC rules. often something as simple as running cable along existing poles can require lengthy & expensive "environmental impact" studies.
in my experience those resources would be better spent getting relatively inexpensive local loops to useful/LoS roof tops you can access cheaply.
@wobscale wait huh what you can just do that
umm
hmm
i want to seriously look into this now