My local utility charges users $5,000 per installed pole for last mile connection. I've priced poles and wire, they are turning a hefty profit for last mile connections.
How many people does it take, and how much equipment? If they're using contractors and have to, say, hire a crane, things can add up pretty fast.
That doesn't mean that they're not necessarily price gouging or making a profit, but often things like poles and wire are a small part of the actual cost of installing infrastructure.
That doesn't mean that they're not necessarily price gouging or making a profit, but often things like poles and wire are a small part of the actual cost of installing infrastructure.