[1713] in Commercialization & Privatization of the Internet
ANS Connectivity Agreement
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (jrugo@nic.near.net)
Fri Dec 13 08:40:51 1991
To: weis@ans.net
Cc: members@farnet.org, co+re@ans.net, com-priv@psi.com,
Date: Fri, 13 Dec 91 08:31:51 -0500
From: jrugo@nic.near.net
> Our recent note to the com-priv mailing list has caused misunderstanding
> about ANS connectivity agreements. I apologize for creating this confusion.
> While the following explanation doesn't address all of the concerns that
> have been expressed, I hope it clarifies some of the major issues in
> question.
I guess I'm still confused, maybe you can help me....
> An ANS connectivity agreement simply states that an attached network agrees
> to accept traffic from ANS CO+RE customers. An attached network has no
> need to sign an agreement if it does not wish to accept commercial traffic
> from ANS CO+RE customers. The connectivity agreements do not prohibit
> attached networks from connecting directly to commercial information services
> or to other commercial network providers. The connectivity agreements do not
> apply to traffic from research and education institutions.
OK, so NEARnet would agree to accept commercial traffic from ANS, does ANS
agree to accept commercial traffic from NEARnet under the same terms and
conditions? As I read it, a regional agrees to use its infrastructure as a
distribution mechanism for ANS and gets nothing in return.
> Networks that sign ANS connectivity agreements pay nothing, and, because
> they agree to let commercial traffic travel across their gateways and through
> their networks, they are eligible to receive grants from the National
> Infrastructure Pool.
I don't agree that a regional pays nothing, per the above. I think the cost to
a regional is significant and the return from the pool will be negligible. If
you want to develop local distribution channels such as those that SURANET or
NEARnet will offer you, then you need to either enter into a fair and equitable
agreement, or you need to create it yourself.
> There has been discussion that the connectivity agreement gives ANS an unfair
> competitive advantage. In fact, the agreement ensures that attached networks
> have the final choice in controlling access to their networks.
Thank you for giving us choice, AL. Fortunately, there are other choices
developing.
- John Rugo
NEARnet Business Manager
Bolt, Beranek and Newman
