Global Crossing: FCC Should Regulate Internet Interconnection Fees
Global Crossing urged the Federal Communications Commission to
regulate interconnection pricing of last-mile Internet service
providers, saying the dispute between Comcast and Level 3 Communications
shows broadband ISPs are "distorting" the economics of traditional
peering relationships.
Level 3, after winning a content delivery network contract with Netflix to stream video to subscribers, in November accused Comcast of erecting a "toll booth" on the Internet after the MSO requested payment to handle the increased bandwidth load. The Comcast fees violate the FCC's Open Internet rules, Level 3 argues.
Comcast
has characterized the standoff as a run-of-the-mill business
negotiation. It said the new interconnection fees were appropriate
because Level 3 was suddenly dumping a disproportionate amount of
traffic onto the cable operator's network.
Now network services
provider Global Crossing -- which like Level 3 serves business Internet
customers and not residential subscribers -- has officially weighed in
on Level 3's side of the dispute.
Click here to read the full article on Multichannel.com.
The smarter way to stay on top of broadcasting and cable industry. Sign up below