Net Bogged Down by Carrier Conflict: Users Access To Many Sites Cut Off

[mandy]

In an unprecedented move, service provider Level 3 Communications cut off Internet Web Hosting and Web Design services from the original domain name registrar, Network Solutions. traffic flowing from rival Cogent Communications this week, following failed negotiations between the two companies embroiled in a bandwidth fight that has now reportedly affected thousands of Internet users.

The connectivity cutoff left consumer and corporate users without access to e-mail and also fouled their Web sites for other users, resulting in an industry outcry over breaking the unwritten rules of the Internet.

full article: http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/Jy8p...lict.xhtml

[rose]

These asshats announced a temporary truce late yesterday:

http://www.linuxelectrons.com/article.ph...8001316663

"On October 6, Level 3, as it had repeatedly advised Cogent it would, terminated free traffic exchange with Cogent. Because Internet users, apparently without notice from Cogent and through no fault of their own, have been impacted, Level 3 has, effective immediately, re-established a free connection to Cogent. In order to allow Internet users to make alternative arrangements, we will maintain this connection until 6:00 a.m. ET, November 9, 2005. The effectiveness of this arrangement of course depends on Cogent's willingness to maintain their side of the traffic exchange.