Understanding the Level 3-Comcast spat (FAQ)

[FlyingPenguin]

Yeah I know a LITTLE about peering relationships, so when I first read about this spat the other day I said WTF? Level 3 may be trying to make it look like a Net Neutrality issue, but that's BS.

Comcast and Level 3 trade bandwidth, like all ISPs and backbone providers do (and ISPs do with other ISPs).

But if Level 3 is sending 5 times as much data to Comcast than Comcast is sending them then it's not unreasonable for Comcast to ask for reimbursement because it's no longer a fair swap of bandwidth.

Level 3 is also in an extremely gray area by claiming to be solely a backbone provider in this relationship, when they're now also a content provider. You can't have it both ways.

Interesting read:

http://m.news.com/2166-1002_3-20024197-266.html