WASHINGTON -- Cogent Communications Group, Inc. (AMEX:COI) , a Tier 1 Internet Service provider, is requesting that Level 3 turn their side of the companies' Internet backbone peering connection back on immediately to thwart any further disruption of mutual customers' Internet service. Once traffic is being exchanged between the two networks, Cogent will discuss the peering situation with Level 3, anytime, anywhere.

Cogent's CEO Dave Schaeffer stated, "We feel this situation can easily be resolved without more impact to the customers of either companies. The seriousness of the situation has been made abundantly clear, and for the sake of Internet users, Level 3 should turn the connection back on and both parties should sit down at the table to discuss the situation."

Mr. Schaeffer went on to say, "In fact, Cogent is willing to offer Level 3 free Internet service across our network to help alleviate their financial situation while also discussing appropriate traffic ratios. Cogent feels allegations of inappropriate traffic ratios have been incorrectly articulated by Level 3. In fact, it is Level 3 who requested that Cogent send more traffic across their network since Level 3 charges by the bit, and increased traffic flow helps them financially."

"Cogent's connection to Level 3 remains open, on and ready to accept their traffic. There is no situation that prevents them from turning on the connection other than a mindset that is willing to sacrifice customer connectivity at this specific point in time. Cogent feels that Internet users deserve better treatment while this situation is ironed out. That is why Cogent is appealing directly to Level 3 single-homed customers and offering them one year of free, dedicated Internet access to provide them with access to the full Internet, not just the Level 3 portion of it. This offer bypasses the problem, helps the customer attain full access to the Internet and eliminates the roadblock to Cogent's portion of the Internet. Cogent has already had significant success with this offer and will continue to make it available as long as the peering connection remains turned off by Level 3."

Cogent Communications Group Inc.

Level 3 Communications Inc.