Internet Backbone Companies Engage in Feud, Threatening to Cut Off Significant Swaths of Internet

Internet backbone companies Level 3 Communications and Cogent Communications are in a dispute over peering arrangements, potentially affecting users' ability to access websites on the other company's network. The standoff began when Level 3 severed direct connections to Cogent, citing concerns over the financial viability of their arrangement. Cogent's CEO, Dave Schaeffer, disputed Level 3's claim, stating that his company's network is of similar size and that paying for the connection is unnecessary.

Key Takeaways:

Level 3 Communications has cut off direct "peering" connections to Cogent Communications, affecting internet access for some customers.
The dispute centers around the financial viability of the peering arrangement, with Level 3 contending that Cogent's network is smaller.
Cogent's CEO, Dave Schaeffer, disputes this claim, stating that his company's network is of similar size.
The peering arrangement allows network companies to exchange traffic directly, saving time and money.
The dispute highlights the importance of peering arrangements in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the internet.

Statistics:

As of Sunday, 10-02-2005 23:59, Level 3 Communications (LVLT) stock price was at $2.35.
The Comtex SmarTrend(SM) Alert system indicated an uptrend on 09-26-2005 for LVLT.

Sources:

WENN via COMTEX, Oct 06, 2005