[2835] in Commercialization & Privatization of the Internet
Re: CIX membership requirement for use of CIX
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Mitchell Kapor)
Wed Jun 10 10:23:06 1992
Date: Wed, 10 Jun 1992 10:21:22 -0400
To: BRIAN KAHIN <KAHIN@HULAW1.HARVARD.EDU>, com-priv@psi.com
From: Mitchell Kapor <mkapor@eff.org>
The key concepts to understanding which entities automatically get CIX
connectivity and which are themselves required to join, even though they
are attached to a network which is a CIX member are as follows:
Entities which are themselves networks, are distinct organizational
entities, and offer commercial IP services in multiple geographical
locations (typically across LATA boundaries) must join the CIX to get the
connectivity. Other entities need not join themselves as long as they are
attached to a network which is a CIX member. Since networks are in the
business of selling connections to individual customers, CIX participation
which expands connectivity can be positioned as a major customer benefit.
Therefore passing on the cost of the CIX membership can be successfully
rationalized.
On this principle, then the World and Portal need not join the CIX, but
Netcom does. Netcom offers IP service in multiple California locales,
including the Bay Area and Los Angeles. World and Portal offer services
out of a single locale. I don't think it reveals too many confidences to
say that Netcom has no problem with this approach and is strongly
considering joining.
The above distinction is not bullet proof, but seems to be a workable
heuristic so far. It is implemented as policy, not in the by-laws, and
there is a provision that, in any event, the Board may make exceptions to
the policy on a case by case basis.
The motivation for the policy is to develop a pragmatic approach to
increasing commercial connectivity, one which will surely evolve in the
light of advancing technology and expanded use of TCP/IP networks.
I would be interested in understanding whether this model breaks in
practice in a significant way today. Theoretical hair splitting, while
providing satisfying entertainment to net afficianados, is unappealing to
me.
