[toast0]

> One of my historical fascinations is watching the co-evolution of rail and telecommunications line networks, since both have similar needs.

There's a lot of cross over. One history of Sprint evolved long distance service as a way to make money off Southern Pacific's internal phone services, that were mostly run in rail right of way. I've heard of specialized fiber laying train cars that trench, lay fiber, and cover it up as the car moves along the track.

Communication and transportation routes are broadly compatible.