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
