Mahesh Krishnaswamy

Every fiber optic cable carries data as pulses of light traveling through strands of glass. Fiber forms the backbone of today's internet. Yet in the modern day U.S., using light to communicate information requires us to physically lay and bury fiber, costing up to $264,000 per mile. Labor alone drives more than 70 percent of this cost, and securing right-of-way permits can consume months, if not years.