Fred,
In the 60's over here, steel poles were installed and these were Hot-Dip Galvanised.
I've never experienced any problems with them.
But if I had a choice, I'd use Precast Concrete poles, biggest problem with steel poles is the fact that you have a Ground Reference next to your Lines, which can make live work, just that little bit more interesting!.
Having said that, for low voltage work, it's real handy to have that reference for voltage tests, other than use the Neutral wire.