My understanding is this. No Money exchanges hands between Level3 and Comcast, but there is an agreement for Comcast to provide a port for Level3 to connect to. Level3 brings the traffic to Comcast door Step. Level3 pays for the port on their side. Level3 is happy to add more ports, BUT Comcast Refuses. Not because more ports are that expensive but those in charge at Comcast are from the TV side of the house where blackouts are common negotiating tactics in order to be paid. And Level3 refuse to be held over a barrel for payment when Comcast has a local monopoly power.