[AFMUG] Avoid 'make ready' by using my own poles

[Adam Moffett]

So, our most common make ready issue so far has been old poles that are 
relatively short and we can't stay the required distance from the power 
equipment and also be far enough above the existing phone line.  
Sometimes we can use a standoff or other solutions to avoid the issue, 
but sometimes the pole needs to be replaced.  It's never less than 
$5,000, could be as much as $10,000.

What I'm wondering is this:  We can get a new 35' pole for $800.  We can 
get a new 50' pole for $1500.  Is there any reason I couldn't just avoid 
make ready expense by setting our own pole instead of using theirs?  
Even with guy wires, permit, and easements it's almost guaranteed to be 
less expensive.  Maybe I would put a 35 footer on the opposite side of 
the road, for example.  Or maybe we set the new 50 footer right next to 
theirs and even let them move onto our pole if they want to.  It seems 
too easy and I'm wondering if there's a catch I'm not thinking of.