The median cost of labor and materials to deploy underground fiber is $18. 25 per foot compared to $6. 55 per foot for aerial fiber, according to a new report from the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) and the consulting firm Cartesian. Engineers must determine the optimal route based on distance, terrain, and urban density. Deploying fiber in rural areas typically incurs higher costs due to longer cable runs and limited existing infrastructure. In preparing this second edition of the Fiber Deployment Cost report, Cartesian gathered inputs from a wide variety of firms building. These costs can be substantial and multifaceted, including materials like fibre cables, conduits, and other essential components. Utilities such as power, water supply, and HVAC systems are also significant.