[estimator7292]

You can have each tower derive a perfectly stable 1Hz signal from the mains, but you have no way to synchronize those signals. Each tower's 'tick' starts at a random point in the 60Hz cycle.

You need an external, dedicated channel for this. You either synchronize with signals sent between towers or with a global signal from somewhere else (space). GPS broadcasts atomic time references for free, so everyone just uses that

[mjevans]

Just like a freeway, public good and public benefit are things government should be doing well. (We the people, for us the people)