Perhaps last-mile operators should A) advertise each of their metropolitan regional systems as a separate AS B) establish an interconnection point in each region where they will accept traffic destined for their in-region customers without charging any fee This leaves the operational model of WAN backbone transit networks unchanged: fights about traffic balance and settlement fees can continue in perpetuity. Those big sources who fall afoul of balance can opt to deliver traffic directly to the last-mile network(s) in given markets. Transfers WAN networking cost-burden to the content originator (through their agents: CDN operators or transit providers) Reduces financial burden on last-mile operator (demand is reduced on their company operated backbone and/or transit capacity that they purchase) RESULTS Customers get to receive content they are requesting: technical and political impediments are removed. Last-mile operator only has to improve in-region network facilities: to deliver the data that their own customers have requested