[Searching the NANOG archives, I haven't found this topic yet] Can anyone confirm either of the following: -the 1996 Telecom Act restricts baby bells from exchanging internet traffic directly to each other. -that any other baby bell besides QWest is claiming this restriction. The new QWest addition to our internet feeds is restricted to their 14 state operating region. Traffic outside of the region has to traverse qwest.net, then tamerica.net, then uswest.net before it gets out. Personally, I do not see where in the 96TA restrictions apply to internet traffic - only to long distance. It feels to me they are using this to pressure FCC/PSC leadership. QWest's [271] filing to have 4 of their 14 states join long-distance suggests their 'regional' network will be getting even smaller. --- Andy Dalrymple XMission Telecom Mgr. (8/21/02)