5/ The last mile is the last to go hi-tech. Containerization stops at city limits. Fiber optics shifted to local-loop copper until recently
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6/ The last *block* though, is hard for other reasons. It's still physically and legally complex, but that isn't the hardest part anymore.
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7/ Two forces make the last block especially hard: increased demand and inequality.
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8/ Increased demand is obvious: USPS/FedEx etc weren't built with this much package flow in mind. Neither were front porches.
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9/ Inequality is less obvious: in an unequal society there is more incentive for low-level theft and pilfering, easiest at the last block.
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10/ I don't have numbers, but anecdotally, theft from porches etc. has risen: more temptation, more people in state to be tempted.
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11/ Concierge services for accepting packages are now increasingly a necessity in bigger cities.
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12/ You have both large, high-value packages that are awkward for small lockers, stairwells, and jewelry-level value in things like iPhones
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13/ The last block is also undergoing weird transformation on other networks. Consider net metering in solar power, charging of Teslas etc.
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14/ For eg. there are now fights over charging in charging stations, and homeowners setting up informal charging services on lawns.
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16/ And as more and more value in flow (VIF?) is in the last block at any given time, incentives for conflict and crime increase.
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17/ "Stealing" cable or electricity required some sophistication, "stealing" wifi is both easier and more valuable.
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