#Copper Wire Price

[chemanalystdata]

Copper Wire Price | Prices | Pricing | News | Database | Chart

 In Q2 2024, the North American copper wire market saw a significant price increase, primarily driven by supply constraints and high demand across various sectors. Key factors contributing to this surge included logistical issues, global supply chain disruptions, and strong demand from the automotive and construction industries. A marked reduction in production from several smelters, along with supply interruptions from the Cobre Panama project, further tightened the market. As a result, copper prices continued to rise throughout the quarter. The USA experienced the most pronounced price fluctuations, with copper wire prices rising steadily due to robust industrial demand and limited supply. Seasonal demand, particularly in the construction and automotive industries during the spring and early summer, also contributed to price increases. These price movements correlated positively with broader economic indicators, reflecting strong market fundamentals. Compared to Q2 2023, prices saw a substantial year-on-year increase, reinforcing the bullish sentiment. The quarter's overall trend remained stable, consistent with Q1 2024, and by the end of the quarter, copper wire (0.2 inch) was priced at USD 22,072/MT CFR San Diego, highlighting a persistent supply-demand imbalance.

In Q2 2024, the copper wire market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region maintained an upward pricing trend. Market dynamics during the quarter were influenced by supply disruptions, increased demand from green energy sectors, and speculative trading on global exchanges. Supply constraints, such as production cuts and the shutdown of the Cobre Panama mine, exacerbated the already tight supply conditions. Simultaneously, rising demand from the electric vehicle (EV) sector and renewable energy projects pushed prices higher as these industries rely heavily on copper for critical components like batteries and motors. Speculative activity on exchanges further amplified the price surge, often creating a disconnect between futures prices and real market demand. South Korea experienced the most significant price shifts in the region, largely due to seasonal factors and regional supply issues. Prices surged by 33% from the previous quarter, reflecting the rapid increase in costs. By the end of Q2, the price of copper wire (0.2 inch) FOB Busan stood at USD 9,090/MT, driven by supply challenges and strong demand fundamentals.

The European copper wire market remained relatively stable throughout Q2 2024. Copper smelting operations maintained consistent output, ensuring a steady raw material supply. However, global economic concerns and the potential for interest rate adjustments led to cautious buyer behavior, resulting in steady but subdued demand growth. Downstream industries, particularly construction and electrical equipment manufacturing, saw moderate copper wire consumption. Infrastructure projects offered some support, but overall demand was tempered by economic uncertainties. The automotive sector, a major copper wire consumer, showed signs of recovery, although at a slow pace. Price movements were minimal, as the balance between supply and demand kept the market stable. A weakening US dollar provided some price support, though its impact was limited. Overall, the European copper wire market in Q2 2024 was characterized by cautious optimism, with industry players closely watching macroeconomic trends for future market shifts.

Get Real Time Prices for Copper Wire: https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/copper-wire-1359

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[sydneycopperscrap]

Get the best value for your scrap copper in Sydney! Discover up-to-date scrap copper price » and maximize your returns. We offer competitive rates for your scrap copper materials. Sell with confidence and unlock great value. Check our prices now and turn your scrap into cash! 💰🔗 #ScrapCopperPrice #SydneyScrapMetal #TopValueReturns

[skyscrapmetal]

When it comes to the world of scrap metal, few commodities hold as much allure as copper and motor scrap. The sheer value they represent in the recycling industry cannot be understated. Yet, many are unaware of the nuanced pricing mechanisms that govern these materials, nor how to maximize the value of their scrap. This is where a seasoned player in the field, Sky Scrap Metal, steps in, offering expertise and insight into the evolving market of scrap metal.

[fxhfxbnb]

Best price for copper busbar wire

Best price for copper busbar wire

Established in 2012, Raytron started as a workshop in the research and development of flat wire rolling business.

After 12 years of persistent efforts, Raytron has become the most professional manufacturer of high-precision flat wire & strip in China and the only manufacturer in China that can produce flat wire with a width-to-thickness ratio of higher than 100 times.

With 12 high-precision 4-link rolling mills and an annual production capacity of 13,000 tonnes, Raytron became the biggest rolled flat wire and strip manufacturer in China in 2022.

In 2023，Turkish Sales Office Established .

Raytron was founded in 2012 and started its business with the development of copper-rolled flat ribbon wire and strip.

After 12 years of persistent efforts, Raytron has become the most professional manufacturer of high precision copper & copper-clad aluminum flat ribbon wire & strip in China and one of the very few manufacturers in China that can produce flat wire & strip with a width to thickness ratio of higher than 100 times and copper strip & flat ribbon wire with ultra-low yield strength below 110Mpa. High dimensional accuracy and straightness are also guaranteed. .

With 12 high-precision 4-link rolling mills and an annual production capacity of 13,000 tonnes. Raytron is the largest manufacturer of rolled copper strips & flat ribbon wires for Photovoltaic Solar Busbars in China and the National Standard Drafting Unit.

In 2023, Turkish Sales Office Established.

[namansharma0950]

Copper Wire Prices Insights, Tracking, News, Trends & Forecast | ChemAnalyst

Copper wire prices, reflecting the cost of this vital electrical conductor, are influenced by various factors within the global market. Copper wire is extensively used in electrical wiring, power distribution, telecommunications, electronics, and various other applications. Fluctuations in copper wire prices are driven by shifts in supply and demand dynamics, raw material costs, production capacity, and market trends.

The pricing of copper wire is primarily determined by its demand in downstream industries. Copper wire is prized for its excellent electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and malleability, making it indispensable in the electrical and electronics sectors. The demand for copper wire is influenced by factors such as construction activity, infrastructure development, manufacturing output, and consumer demand for electronic devices.

Supply dynamics, including the availability and cost of raw materials, play a significant role in determining copper wire prices. Copper is typically extracted from copper ore through mining and refining processes, with factors such as ore grade, mining regulations, and energy costs affecting production costs. Changes in the cost and availability of copper ore, as well as recycling rates of scrap copper, can impact the production and supply of copper wire, thereby affecting its market price.

Get Real-Time Copper Wire Prices: https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/copper-wire-1359

Market trends and innovations in downstream industries also impact copper wire prices. For example, advancements in renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, drive demand for copper wire in electrical transmission and generation systems. Similarly, trends in consumer electronics, automotive manufacturing, and telecommunications influence the demand for copper wire in these sectors.

Macroeconomic factors such as currency fluctuations, inflation rates, and global economic conditions can indirectly affect copper wire prices by influencing production costs and consumer purchasing power. Economic growth and stability can support higher demand for copper-intensive products, while economic downturns may lead to reduced demand and downward pressure on prices.

Regulatory changes and environmental policies can also influence copper wire prices. Government regulations related to mining, environmental protection, trade tariffs, and product standards may impact production costs and market access for copper wire manufacturers. Compliance with these regulations may require investments in technology upgrades, environmental controls, and regulatory compliance measures, affecting pricing dynamics.

Looking ahead, several factors are expected to continue influencing copper wire prices. These include changes in industrial demand, technological advancements, developments in renewable energy, shifts in global trade dynamics, and regulatory frameworks. Moreover, trends in sustainable construction, electric vehicle adoption, and digitalization will also shape the future trajectory of copper wire prices.

In conclusion, copper wire prices are subject to a complex interplay of supply and demand dynamics, raw material costs, market trends, regulatory changes, and macroeconomic factors. Stakeholders in industries reliant on copper wire must closely monitor these factors to anticipate price movements and make informed decisions. As industries evolve and global challenges emerge, navigating the copper wire market will require strategic planning and adaptability.

Get Real-Time Copper Wire Prices: https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/copper-wire-1359

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[tataagrico1]

Benefits of Choosing the Right MIG Wire| Agricultural Tips | Tata Agrico

Welding has many uses in agriculture. Learning how to weld with MIG wire and choosing the right one from Tata Agrico is important. Learn more. https://www.tataagrico.com/blog-post/choosing-the-right-mig-wire-for-agricultural-projects/

[chemanalysta]

Free Search the Asia Pacific Copper Wire Prices online

North America

In the first quarter of 2023, Copper Wire prices in the US rose due to the banking meltdown's effect on inflation and interest rates. Market players observed that lower copper prices resulted in increased demand before traditionally high-demand periods, such as April and May. As the market searched for indications of a solid post-pandemic recovery, a reduction in inventory build-up suggested a rise in demand. Manufacturers' input purchasing had decreased, resulting in shorter lead times and fewer logistical delays. Firms opted to deplete inventories, causing stocks of purchased and finished goods to decrease. The Silicon Valley Bank's failure in mid-March had a small effect. In March, lower prices and more competitive payment terms drove the first-half recovery of orders, but new orders sharply declined in the second half, with concerns of a further drop in April. Spot premiums declined before bouncing back due to cash flow issues and market player tactics. The loss from copper imports increased, reducing the inflow of imported copper and the supply of copper plates in the global market. As a ripple effect, the Copper Wire (0.2 inches) prices for CFR San Diego (USA) settled at USD 7428/MT.

Asia Pacific

In the first quarter of 2023, the Chinese Copper Wire market experienced an upswing in prices due to increased downstream inquiries from the power transmission and distribution sector. However, many downstream small and medium-sized cable firms began shutting preparations before the Spring Festival break, resulting in a decrease in demand for copper and a slowdown in production pace for copper Wire enterprises. Production and downstream firms progressively recovered in mid-Q1, but refined copper consumption remained low, and spot prices remained discounted. Terminal consumption and orders also recovered slowly. By March, the Copper Wire market was destocking, and demand was beginning to rebound, albeit it was unclear whether the terminal order situation would remain favorable. Copper concentrate delivery and transportation were enhanced, new refined copper production capacity was put into operation, and raw materials were loosened to improve supply.

Europe

In Q1 2023, the European copper wire market experienced a rise in prices due to increased demand for refined copper and low inventory levels across all three exchanges. The surge in raw material prices caused by banking instability further compounded this issue. Despite these factors, some buyers avoided Russian copper due to significant inventories in futures warehouses. Additionally, the spot market was impacted by Europe's constrained supply, uncertainty in demand, and record-high annual contract prices. Market participants noted that a banking meltdown in global markets caused by the failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Credit Suisse impacted Copper Rod Prices, resulting in price volatility due to reduced stocks. This caused issues for traders, producers, and consumers alike. Although there was a recent jump in orders, it was mainly due to a significant drop in copper prices rather than an increase in genuine end-user demand. Buyers reported falling inventories compared to 2022. During the previous week, there were limited new orders, and as copper prices recovered towards the end of the week, the drop in downstream orders became more apparent.

ChemAnalyst tackles the primary difficulty areas of the worldwide chemical, petroleum, pharmaceutical, and petrochemical industries, empowering decision-makers to make informed decisions. It examines and analyses geopolitical risks, environmental concerns, raw material availability, supply chain functioning, and technological disruption. It focuses on market volatility and guarantees that clients manage obstacles and hazards effectively and efficiently. ChemAnalyst's primary expertise has been data timeliness and accuracy, benefiting both local and global industries by tuning in to real-time data points to execute multibillion-dollar projects internationally.

[chemanalystdata]

Copper Wire Prices | Pricing | Price | News | Database | Chart | Forecast

Copper wire prices have been a focal point for various industries, especially those reliant on electrical and construction materials. As a key component in electrical wiring, telecommunications, and a multitude of electronic devices, copper's demand directly influences its market price. Understanding the dynamics behind copper wire prices requires a close examination of supply and demand, global economic conditions, technological advancements, and geopolitical factors.

Copper, being a finite resource, sees its supply primarily determined by mining activities. Major copper-producing countries include Chile, Peru, and China. Any disruption in these regions, such as strikes, regulatory changes, or environmental concerns, can cause fluctuations in copper availability, subsequently affecting wire prices. Moreover, the mining process is capital-intensive and subject to environmental regulations, which can constrain supply. For instance, stricter environmental policies or natural disasters in copper-rich areas can lead to reduced output, tightening global supply and driving up prices.

On the demand side, copper's versatility ensures its importance across various sectors. The construction industry, particularly in emerging economies, heavily influences copper wire prices. Urbanization and infrastructure projects drive significant demand for copper wiring. As countries like India and China continue to develop, their growing need for electricity and telecommunications infrastructure keeps copper demand high. Furthermore, the shift towards renewable energy sources and the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) have escalated copper's importance. EVs, in particular, require substantial amounts of copper for batteries, wiring, and charging infrastructure, pushing demand further.

Global economic conditions also play a critical role in shaping copper wire prices. During periods of economic expansion, industrial activities surge, leading to higher copper consumption. Conversely, economic downturns can dampen demand, as construction slows and manufacturing activities decline. Inflation, currency exchange rates, and interest rates also impact copper prices. A weaker U.S. dollar, for example, often leads to higher copper prices, as copper is traded globally in dollars, making it cheaper for foreign buyers and thus increasing demand. On the other hand, rising interest rates can strengthen the dollar, potentially lowering copper prices as borrowing costs increase, reducing investment in copper-intensive projects.

Get Real Time Prices for Copper Wire:  https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/copper-wire-1359

Technological advancements continue to influence copper wire prices by either increasing demand or providing alternatives. Innovations in telecommunications, for example, require high-quality copper wiring for faster data transmission. However, the advent of fiber optics and wireless technologies has started to replace traditional copper wiring in some areas, potentially dampening future demand. Despite these advancements, copper remains irreplaceable in many applications due to its superior electrical conductivity, durability, and reliability, ensuring that its demand remains robust.

Geopolitical factors also contribute to the volatility of copper wire prices. Trade tensions between major economies can disrupt supply chains and affect copper trade flows. For instance, tariffs on copper imports can lead to increased costs for wire manufacturers, which are then passed on to consumers. Political instability in copper-producing countries can also lead to supply disruptions, causing price spikes. Additionally, international sanctions and embargoes can restrict the flow of copper, further influencing global prices.

Recycling has become an increasingly important factor in the copper market. With the growing emphasis on sustainability, the recycling of copper has seen a rise, offering a secondary source of supply. Recycled copper, often referred to as scrap copper, plays a significant role in stabilizing prices. When copper prices rise, recycling activities tend to increase, adding to the supply and helping to moderate price hikes. Conversely, when prices fall, recycling efforts may decline, tightening supply and providing a floor for prices. The recycling process is also less energy-intensive compared to mining, making it an environmentally friendly alternative, which is gaining traction as industries strive to reduce their carbon footprint.

Speculative activities in commodity markets also influence copper wire prices. Traders and investors often buy and sell copper futures based on their expectations of future price movements. These speculative actions can amplify price volatility, especially in response to market news or economic indicators. For example, if investors anticipate higher demand due to a booming economy or infrastructure initiatives, they may drive prices up through speculative buying. Conversely, pessimistic forecasts can lead to selling pressure, causing prices to fall.

In recent years, the global focus on sustainability and environmental concerns has brought new dimensions to the copper market. As the world transitions towards greener technologies, copper's role in renewable energy infrastructure and electric vehicles becomes even more crucial. This shift not only bolsters demand but also attracts investments in copper mining and recycling, which can influence long-term price trends. Additionally, government policies promoting clean energy and green technologies can further drive up demand for copper, leading to higher prices.

In summary, copper wire prices are shaped by a complex interplay of factors including supply and demand dynamics, global economic conditions, technological advancements, geopolitical influences, and speculative activities. As industries continue to evolve and the global economy fluctuates, copper wire prices will likely remain volatile, reflecting the broader trends and challenges in the market. Keeping abreast of these factors is essential for businesses and investors alike, as copper's role in the modern economy remains pivotal. Understanding the nuances of this market can help stakeholders make informed decisions, whether they are purchasing copper wire for industrial use or investing in copper-related assets.

Get Real Time Prices for Copper Wire:  https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/copper-wire-1359

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[skyscrapmetal]

Exploring the Intricacies of Motor Scrap Pricing and the Value of Scrap Metal: A Deep Dive into Sky Scrap Metal's Offerings

When it comes to the world of scrap metal, few commodities hold as much allure as copper and motor scrap. The sheer value they represent in the recycling industry cannot be understated. Yet, many are unaware of the nuanced pricing mechanisms that govern these materials, nor how to maximize the value of their scrap. This is where a seasoned player in the field, Sky Scrap Metal, steps in, offering expertise and insight into the evolving market of scrap metal.

Motor Scrap Pricing: A Multi-Faceted Equation

The price of motor scrap can fluctuate dramatically based on several variables. First and foremost, the condition and composition of the motor dictate its value. Motors containing high-quality copper wire, for instance, can command significantly higher prices than those composed primarily of steel or aluminum. Yet, even among copper-laden motors, nuances in quality — whether they are pure copper or contain impurities — affect their worth in the market.

Sky Scrap Metal, with years of experience in this realm, comprehensively evaluates each motor's composition before assigning a price. This careful assessment ensures that sellers receive a fair value for their materials, one that reflects both the market trends and the intrinsic worth of the materials themselves.

Scrap Wire: The Unsung Hero of Recycling

While the focus often falls on scrap metal as a whole, scrap wire, particularly copper wire, plays a pivotal role in the recycling chain. Copper wire scrap, with its excellent conductivity and high market demand, can be a goldmine for those aware of its value. Scrap wire is generally separated by its thickness, purity, and the presence of insulation — all of which determine its final pricing.

Sky Scrap Metal offers specialized services for evaluating and processing scrap wire, ensuring that sellers can unlock the highest possible value for their materials. Whether you are dealing with old electrical wiring, discarded machinery, or surplus wire from construction sites, understanding the intricacies of wire pricing is key to optimizing the return on your investment.

The Ever-Changing Landscape of Scrap Metal Copper

Copper, a metal of ancient origin, is now one of the most sought-after commodities in the world of scrap metal. Its applications are vast, ranging from electrical systems to plumbing, and even in high-end electronics. Consequently, the demand for scrap copper remains consistently high, with its price fluctuating based on global economic factors, production levels, and demand within the construction and manufacturing industries.

Sky Scrap Metal keeps its finger firmly on the pulse of these market dynamics. By leveraging their industry expertise and insights into supply chain fluctuations, they ensure that their customers benefit from competitive prices for scrap metal copper. Whether it's the copper wiring in old appliances or copper tubing from industrial facilities, Sky Scrap Metal helps sellers make the most of their scrap copper assets.

Maximizing the Value of Your Scrap Metal

To truly reap the benefits of scrap metal recycling, understanding the valuation process is essential. While it's tempting to treat scrap metal as a single, monolithic entity, in reality, the pricing is far more intricate. Factors such as weight, material purity, and market conditions all converge to form a complex pricing structure. A reliable scrap metal company, like Sky Scrap Metal, is invaluable in navigating these waters, providing detailed assessments and ensuring that each piece of scrap is sold at its true market value.

Sellers can also increase their returns by following a few basic steps: separating different types of scrap, ensuring that materials are clean and free of contaminants, and working with a knowledgeable partner who can accurately appraise their scrap. Sky Scrap Metal’s commitment to quality customer service and in-depth industry knowledge means that you will always have an expert by your side, ensuring that your scrap metal yields the best possible price.

Conclusion: Why Trust Sky Scrap Metal?

In a world where scrap metal prices can be volatile and difficult to predict, trusting a company with expertise and a proven track record becomes crucial. Sky Scrap Metal stands out not only for their extensive knowledge of scrap pricing, but also for their dedication to providing personalized, transparent services. They understand that each piece of scrap — whether it’s motor scrap, copper, or wire — has unique value, and they strive to help sellers maximize that potential.

Whether you’re an individual looking to recycle some old machinery or a business with large-scale scrap metal to sell, partnering with Sky Scrap Metal will ensure you get the most out of your materials. Their expert pricing, combined with a keen understanding of the market’s fluctuating nature, makes them the go-to choice for scrap metal sellers looking to navigate this complex industry.

[baidwires]

The Best Electric Wire Companies in India for High-Quality Products

it can be difficult to know which manufacturers to trust. In this Blog, we will look at the Top 10 wire company in India and highlight the best electric wire companies in India for high-quality products.

[namansharma0950]

Copper Wire Prices Trend, Monitor, News & Forecast | ChemAnalyst

Copper wire prices have experienced fluctuations influenced by various factors, including global market dynamics, industrial demand, and production costs. A thorough understanding of these price movements necessitates an analysis of supply and demand dynamics, regulatory changes, and macroeconomic indicators.

The pricing of copper wire is significantly affected by the balance between supply and demand within the metals industry. Copper wire, valued for its conductivity and versatility, is used extensively in various sectors such as electrical engineering, telecommunications, and construction. Disruptions in the supply chain, such as fluctuations in copper ore availability, refining capacity, or transportation logistics, can affect the availability and cost of copper wire, thereby influencing its market price.

Get Real-Time Copper Wire Prices: https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/copper-wire-1359

Industrial demand plays a pivotal role in determining copper wire prices. Industries such as electrical equipment manufacturing and telecommunications are major consumers of copper wire, utilizing it in wiring, cables, and electronic components. Fluctuations in demand from these sectors, influenced by factors such as technological advancements, infrastructure projects, and consumer spending, can lead to price volatility for copper wire.

Raw material costs significantly impact copper wire prices. The price of copper, the primary raw material used in copper wire production, can fluctuate due to changes in global supply and demand dynamics, mining conditions, and geopolitical tensions. Any notable increase in copper prices can translate into higher production costs for copper wire manufacturers, thereby exerting upward pressure on prices.

Macroeconomic indicators, such as GDP growth, industrial output, and trade policies, can indirectly affect copper wire prices by influencing overall industrial activity and consumer spending. Economic downturns or trade disputes in major manufacturing regions may lead to decreased demand and downward pressure on prices. Conversely, robust economic growth and stable trade relations can support higher prices for copper wire by stimulating demand for industrial products and infrastructure.

Regulatory changes and quality standards also influence copper wire prices. Government regulations on environmental standards, trade policies, and product specifications can impact production costs and market access for copper wire manufacturers. Compliance with these regulations may necessitate investments in technology and process improvements, which could influence pricing dynamics.

Looking ahead, several factors are expected to continue influencing copper wire prices. Continued growth in sectors such as electrical engineering, telecommunications, and renewable energy, coupled with increasing demand for copper wire as a conductor and connectivity material, is likely to drive sustained demand. Moreover, advancements in manufacturing technologies and the development of new applications could lead to changes in market dynamics and price levels for copper wire.

In conclusion, copper wire prices are subject to a complex interplay of factors including supply and demand dynamics, industrial trends, raw material costs, regulatory changes, and macroeconomic indicators. Stakeholders in the metals industry must closely monitor these factors to anticipate price movements and make informed decisions. As industries evolve and technological innovations continue, navigating the dynamic landscape of copper wire pricing will remain a key challenge for industry participants.

Get Real-Time Copper Wire Prices: https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/copper-wire-1359

ChemAnalyst

GmbH — S-01, 2.floor, Subbelrather Straße,

15a Cologne, 50823, Germany

Call: +49–221–6505–8833

Email: sales@chemanalyst.com

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[mostlysignssomeportents]

Utah’s getting some of America’s best broadband

TOMORROW (May 17), I'm at the INTERNET ARCHIVE in SAN FRANCISCO to keynote the 10th anniversary of the AUTHORS ALLIANCE.

Residents of 21 cities in Utah have access to some of the fastest, most competitively priced broadband in the country, at speeds up to 10gb/s and prices as low as $75/month. It's uncapped, and the connections are symmetrical: perfect for uploading and downloading. And it's all thanks to the government.

This broadband service is, of course, delivered via fiber optic cable. Of course it is. Fiber is vastly superior to all other forms of broadband delivery, including satellites, but also cable and DSL. Fiber caps out at 100tb/s, while cable caps out at 50gb/s – that is, fiber is 1,000 times faster:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/10/why-fiber-vastly-superior-cable-and-5g

Despite the obvious superiority of fiber, America has been very slow to adopt it. Our monopolistic carriers act as though pulling fiber to our homes is an impossible challenge. All those wires that currently go to your house, from power-lines to copper phone-lines, are relics of a mysterious, fallen civilization and its long-lost arts. Apparently we could no more get a new wire to your house than we could build the pyramids using only hand-tools.

In a sense, the people who say we can't pull wires anymore are right: these are relics of a lost civilization. Specifically, electrification and later, universal telephone service was accomplished through massive federal grants under the New Deal – grants that were typically made to either local governments or non-profit co-operatives who got everyone in town connected to these essential modern utilities.

Today – thanks to decades of neoliberalism and its dogmatic insistence that governments can't do anything and shouldn't try, lest they break the fragile equilibrium of the market – we have lost much of the public capacity that our grandparents took for granted. But in the isolated pockets where this capacity lives on, amazing things happen.

Since 2015, residents of Jackson County, KY – one of the poorest counties in America – have enjoyed some of the country's fastest, cheapest, most reliable broadband. The desperately poor Appalachian county is home to a rural telephone co-op, which grew out of its rural electrification co-op, and it used a combination of federal grants and local capacity to bring fiber to every home in the county, traversing dangerous mountain passes with a mule named "Ole Bub" to reach the most remote homes. The result was an immediately economic uplift for the community, and in the longer term, the county had reliable and effective broadband during the covid lockdowns:

https://www.newyorker.com/tech/annals-of-technology/the-one-traffic-light-town-with-some-of-the-fastest-internet-in-the-us

Contrast this with places where the private sector has the only say over who gets broadband, at what speed, and at what price. America is full of broadband deserts – deserts that strand our poorest people. Even in the hearts of our largest densest cities, whole neighborhoods can't get any broadband. You won't be surprised to learn that these are the neighborhoods that were historically redlined, and that the people who live in them are Black and brown, and also live with some of the highest levels of pollution and its attendant sicknesses:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/06/10/flicc/#digital-divide

These places are not set up for success under the best of circumstances, and during the lockdowns, they suffered terribly. You think your kid found it hard to go to Zoom school? Imagine what life was like for kids who attended remote learning while sitting on the baking tarmac in a Taco Bell parking lot, using its free wifi:

https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/09/02/elem-s02.html

ISPs loathe competition. They divide up the country into exclusive territories like the Pope dividing up the "new world" and do not trouble one another by trying to sell to customers outside of "their" turf. When Frontier – one of the worst of America's terrible ISPs – went bankrupt, we got to see their books, and we learned two important facts:

The company booked one million customers who had no alternative as an asset, because they would pay more for slower broadband, and Frontier could save a fortune by skipping maintenance, and charging these customers for broadband even through multi-day outages; and

Frontier knew that it could make a billion dollars in profit over a decade by investing in fiber build-out, but it chose not to, because stock analysts will downrank any carrier that made capital investments that took more than five years to mature. Because Frontier's execs were paid primarily in stock, they chose to strand their customers with aging copper connections and to leave a billion dollars sitting on the table, so that their personal net worth didn't suffer a temporary downturn:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/04/frontiers-bankruptcy-reveals-cynical-choice-deny-profitable-fiber-millions

ISPs maintain the weirdest position: that a) only the private sector can deliver broadband effectively, but b) to do so, they'll need massive, unsupervised, no-strings-attached government handouts. For years, America went along with this improbable scheme, which is why Trump's FCC chairman Ajit Pai gave the carriers $45 billion in public funds to string slow, 19th-century-style copper lines across rural America:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/02/27/all-broadband-politics-are-local/

Now, this is obviously untrue, and people keep figuring out that publicly provisioned broadband is the only way for America to get the same standard of broadband connectivity that our cousins in other high-income nations enjoy. In order to thwart the public's will, the cable and telco lobbyists joined ALEC, the far-right, corporatist lobbying shop, and drafted "model legislation" banning cities and counties from providing broadband, even in places the carriers chose not to serve:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/03/19/culture-war-bullshit-stole-your-broadband/

Red states across America adopted these rules, and legislators sold this to their base by saying that this was just "keeping the government out of their internet" (even as every carrier relied on an exclusive, government-granted territorial charter, often with massive government subsidies).

ALEC didn't target red states exclusively because they had pliable, bribable conservative lawmakers. Red states trend rural, and rural places are the most likely sites for public fiber. Partly, that's because low-density areas are harder to make a business case for, but also because these are also the places that got electricity and telephone through New Deal co-ops, which are often still in place.

Just about the only places in America where people like their internet service are the 450+ small towns where the local government provides fiber. These places vote solidly Republican, and it was their beloved conservative lawmakers whom ALEC targeted to enact laws banning their equally beloved fiber – keep voting for Christmas, turkeys, and see where it gets you:

https://communitynets.org/content/community-network-map

But spare a little sympathy for the conservative movement here. The fact that reality has a pronounced leftist bias must be really frustrating for the ideological project of insisting that anything the market can't provide is literally impossible.

Which brings me back to Utah, a red state with a Republican governor and legislature, and a national leader in passing unconstitutional, unhinged, unworkable legislation as part of an elaborate culture war kabuki:

https://www.npr.org/2023/03/24/1165975112/utah-passes-an-age-verification-law-for-anyone-using-social-media

For more than two decades, a coalition of 21 cities in Utah have been building out municipal fiber. The consortium calls itself UTOPIA: "Utah Telecommunication Open Infrastructure Agency":

https://www.utopiafiber.com/faqs/

UTOPIA pursues a hybrid model: they run "open access" fiber and then let anyone offer service over it. This can deliver the best of both worlds: publicly provisioned, blazing-fast fiber to your home, but with service provided by your choice of competing carriers. That means that if Moms for Liberty captures you local government, you're not captive to their ideas about what sites your ISP should block.

As Karl Bode writes for Techdirt, Utahns in UTOPIA regions have their choice of 18 carriers, and competition has driven down prices and increased speeds. Want uncapped 1gb fiber? That's $75/month. Want 10gb fiber? That's $150:

https://www.techdirt.com/2024/05/15/utah-locals-are-getting-cheap-10-gbps-fiber-thanks-to-local-governments/

UTOPIA's path to glory wasn't an easy one. The dismal telco monopolists Qwest and Lumen sued to put them out of business, delaying the rollout by years:

https://www.deseret.com/2005/7/22/19903471/utopia-responds-to-qwest-lawsuit/

UTOPIA has been profitable and self-sustaining for over 15 years and shows no sign of slowing. But 17 states still ban any attempt at this.

Keeping up such an obviously bad policy requires a steady stream of distractions and lies. The "government broadband doesn't work" lie has worn thin, so we've gotten a string of new lies about wireless service, insisting that fiber is obviated by point-to-point microwave relays, or 5g, or satellite service.

There's plenty of places where these services make sense. You're not going to be able to use fiber in a moving car, so yeah, you're going to want 5g (and those 5g towers are going to need to be connected to each other with fiber). Microwave relay service can fill the gap until fiber can be brought in, and it's great for temporary sites (especially in places where it doesn't rain, because rain, clouds, leaves and other obstructions are deadly for microwave relays). Satellite can make sense for an RV or a boat or remote scientific station.

But wireless services are orders of magnitude slower than fiber. With satellite service, you share your bandwidth with an entire region or even a state. If there's only a couple of users in your satellite's footprint, you might get great service, but when your carrier adds a thousand more customers, your connection is sliced into a thousand pieces.

That's also true for everyone sharing your fiber trunk, but the difference is that your fiber trunk supports speeds that are tens of thousands of times faster than the maximum speeds we can put through freespace electromagnetic spectrum. If we need more fiber capacity, we can just fish a new strand of fiber through the conduit. And while you can increase the capacity of wireless by increasing your power and bandwidth, at a certain point you start pump so much EM into the air that birds start falling out of the sky.

Every wireless device in a region shares the same electromagnetic spectrum, and we are only issued one such spectrum per universe. Each strand of fiber, by contrast, has its own little pocket universe, containing a subset of that spectrum.

Despite all its disadvantages, satellite broadband has one distinct advantage, at least from an investor's perspective: it can be monopolized. Just as we only have one electromagnetic spectrum, we also only have one sky, and the satellite density needed to sustain a colorably fast broadband speed pushes the limit of that shared sky:

https://spacenews.com/starlink-vs-the-astronomers/

Private investors love monopoly telecoms providers, because, like pre-bankruptcy Frontier, they are too big to care. Back in 2021, Altice – the fourth-largest cable operator in America – announced that it was slashing its broadband speeds, to be "in line with other ISPs":

https://pluralistic.net/2021/06/27/immortan-altice/#broadband-is-a-human-right

In other words: "We've figured out that our competitors are so much worse than we are that we are deliberately degrading our service because we know you will still pay us the same for less."

This is why corporate shills and pro-monopolists prefer satellite to municipal fiber. Sure, it's orders of magnitude slower than fiber. Sure, it costs subscribers far more. Sure, it's less reliable. But boy oh boy is it profitable.

The thing is, reality has a pronounced leftist bias. No amount of market magic will conjure up new electromagnetic spectra that will allow satellite to attain parity with fiber. Physics hates Starlink.

Yeah, I'm talking about Starlink. Of course I am. Elon Musk basically claims that his business genius can triumph over physics itself.

That's not the only vast, impersonal, implacable force that Musk claims he can best with his incredible reality-distortion field. Musk also claims that he can somehow add so many cars to the road that he will end traffic – in other words, he will best geometry too:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/10/09/herbies-revenge/#100-billion-here-100-billion-there-pretty-soon-youre-talking-real-money

Geometry hates Tesla, and physics hates Starlink. Reality has a leftist bias. The future is fiber, and public transit. These are both vastly preferable, more efficient, safer, more reliable and more plausible than satellite and private vehicles. Their only disadvantage is that they fail to give an easily gulled, thin-skinned compulsive liar more power over billions of people. That's a disadvantage I can live with.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/05/16/symmetrical-10gb-for-119/#utopia

Image: 4028mdk09 (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rote_LED_Fiberglasleuchte.JPG

CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en

[harrietvane]

So, in Busman’s Homeymoon, Lord Peter buys Harriet Vane a mink cloak worth 950 pounds (according to the Dowager Duchess’ journal entry), but he buys Tallboys for “only” 650 pounds.

Even bearing in mind that real estate really did used to be cheaper, do you understand how that is possible? Or how to find out more about relative purchasing power? I used an online calculator website which gave me some figures, but it still seems insane that one could buy an entire Elizabethan farmhouse for 2/3 the price of a garment! Very curious to learn from others who understand this better than I do.

Ah, I see my esteemed colleague @oldshrewsburyian has also had some interesting thoughts on this, so I'll link that here as well before I begin.

So, it's a legitmate question, and there's no catch-all simple answer (in the gotcha sense of 'why didn't i know that bit of cultural Truth'), but there are mitigating factors that take it from a ridiculous price comparison, to merely outlandish. Even taking into account that the coat is quoted in guineas, not pounds, and that PW says the bank valued Talboys at £800 via a mortgage (the paid price was a discount, for paying in cash quickly, which is Plot Relevant), it gets us to roughly the same place, value-wise. Or shall we say PRICE-wise, rather than value, as I'll get into below. There's several factors at play here - they mainly relate to class, and spending power:

-The house is Not That Great, in terms of the kind of property that PW would usually be buying. I mean it is still a large-ish house, big enough to have 2 adults and small children in, but it's not what would be on his radar normally. The only reason they know about it, it that it's near a place where HARRIET grew up as a child. It's not getting any high marks in particular Beauty, Convenience, or Quality - the main reason HV's drawn to it is sentiment, rather than anything else. They both know that they will have to significantly add to it, and alter it, in order for it to be a comfortable home. That would usually be out-of-budget for someone in Harriet's position, who would expect to buy something that meets her needs 'as-is'. Most people looking at buying that house would be Harriets not Peters, so it might be a tough sell.

-The house has no power, and limited plumbing: There's dark references to DRAINS by the dowager duchess, it's entirely possible that this house has no modern plumbing at all - they make the comparison that the huge palace the Wimseys grew up in wasn't plumbed until recently, but then again they do have about 800 servants, whereas Talboys is just a regular house: they will have Bunter alone (at first), with an assist from Mrs Ruddle. There's mention of "a cistern" with some basic valves, but the scullery is mentioned as having a copper, from which hot water is "scooped into a large bath-can" - a copper being, simply, a large metal basin over a fire, in effect. No running hot water, maybe no flushable loos - it's a factor. They also talk specifially about having to electrify Talboys themselves - it's candles and lamps until then. It's fancy camping. By the mid-1930s, a lot of middle-class buyers would expect a little more convenience in both water and wiring, unless they had significant support staff, which Talboys would not be expected to house.

-There's probably no farm! It's a farm house - not a wider land purchase. People like PW's brother the Duke are wealthy primarily because they own land, not because of the big palace they have (which eats money, rather than generates it). The land is what gives them spending power, because other people are paying them rent to live on it, farm on it, or both. PW's own personal 'younger sibling' wealth is also mentioned somewhere to be primarily in real estate (assumed to be in London) - sad to say: he's a landlord, and that's why he's rich. Talboys, on the other hand, as a purchase, would not, in almost any way, be expected to generate revenue through either farming, agriculture, or charging rent. Until they invent house flipping in 80 years, or until the motorway goes through in 40 years, there's not much expectation that Talboys would increase all that much in value.

-Lastly, there's a massive disparity in what The Market Will Bear when we compare a basic residence vs a luxury item (like a mink coat) in the mid-1930s. This is not particular to that time, though. Like any first-year economics student will tell you, the price of something is not it's intrinsic value, it's what someone is WILLING to pay for it. If someone is willing to pay such a price, that's the price it will be. So, we're not comapring Objects, we're comparing Buyers: the the main purchasers of a slightly run-down farmhouse located nowhere special are Harriets, and main purchasers of mink coats are Peters. Talboys is priced for Harriets. The mink coat is priced for Peters.

Compare for example, a contemporary parallel: the Hermes Birkin bag. It's a leather handbag with a starting retail price of about USD 11,400. Just for the bag. Then, you have fancier versions of the fancy bag, eg wikipedia tells me one version sold at auction for USD 380,000 in Hong Kong in 2017. Now, the Harriets of today are not buying a Hermes Birkin handbag, but they are probably trying to buy slightly run-down houses outside urban centers for (one hopes) slightly less than 380k. The Wimseys of the worlds are clearly buying Birkin bags. In that way, it's actually pretty easy to get to a place where Person A might buy a single luxury item for X pounds, and Person B might buy a whole residence for X pounds, and neither feel like they'd done something insane. The key here is in a Wimsey/Vane marriage, they run up against this concept immediately, and repeatedly.

There's a good reason the first epistolary section of the novel is almost entirely taken up with money chat - the ring, the purchase of shirts from Burlington Arcade, the marriage settlement, the gift from the bride to the groom, the mink coat, the bitchy exchange between Helen and Harriet about HV being allowed "six free copies of her book" to distribute. These people come from 2 fundamentally different experiences of the world. They might have gotten engaged using the word 'Magistra', specifically to emphasise their fundamental equality (in the context of learning and the mind, to begin with), but it can't be denied: there's gaps that need to be bridged. They both know parts of their married life will be spent in attempting to do that, hopefully to their mutual satisfaction. Mention of a mink coat for 950 guineas is a nice, neat shorthand for illustrating what's still at play between them here.