The peering agreement ensures that customers on each of the two Internet service providers' networks can continue to exchange data with customers on the other service provider's network efficiently and cost-effectively. It is based on the bit-mile peering approach which measures both the volume of traffic exchanged and the distance over which that traffic is carried by each network. In order to keep the relationship equitable and settlement-free, both networks carry approximately the same bit-miles of data, a model that promotes efficient, high-quality service for customers, while ensuring a balanced cost burden across each network.

As the Internet continues to grow and evolve, this approach resolves the imbalances that can occur in traffic patterns and that would otherwise result in increased network costs to one provider or the other involved in a peering relationship. When asymmetry occurs, the Internet traffic carriers agree to adjust traffic routing and interconnections to maintain a fair and equitable relationship between the two networks. They must also maintain the ability to exchange traffic in a scalable, resilient and reliable manner so that consumers can enjoy the best possible Internet experience. The bit-mile arrangement ensures this consumer benefit while doing so in a way that is equitable to both Level 3 and XO.

Level 3 Communications Inc.