At the time of this article (5:00 p.m. Eastern, Sunday November 2nd) it appears as though Sprint has resumed peering with Cogent; eliminating the "blackhole" caused by this breakage that has been ongoing for several days. Peering connections between Sprint and Cogent can be seen at The Internet Health Report.

There is no word from either Sprint or Cogent as to whether their differences have been settled or if this is a permanent restoration of service.

Update – 9:30 PM ET – Sprint released this statement:

Dear Valued Customers,

On Thursday, October 30th, Sprint Nextel completed a disconnection of its network from Cogent Communications. This action was taken by Sprint after Cogent breached its contract and failed to pay for its ongoing connection to the Sprint network, despite repeated collections attempts by Sprint.

Until this issue is resolved, Sprint will continue to work tirelessly to the extent within our control to mitigate the effects on customers. As part of an interim solution, Sprint initiated a temporary reconnection to the Cogent network on Sunday, November 2nd so that customers would have temporary access while longer-term alternate and permanent access options are explored.

We emphasize that this reconnection is temporary only, as the core issues in this dispute have not changed. Cogent was notified in advance of the November 2nd reconnection; therefore, any access disruptions occurring during this temporary period are the sole result of a negative reaction instigated by Cogent against the customers of both parties.

Sprint deeply regrets any inconvenience caused by this issue and we do not take our actions lightly given frustrations experienced by customers of both parties.

According to personnel inside Cogent, negotiations with Sprint regarding peering arrangements fell apart and Sprint "pulled the plug" on all traffic to and from Cogent’s network.

This breakage can be viewed at internetpulse.net, a site that monitors peering amongst the largest network backbone providers.

Peering arrangements are common amongst large backbone providers and assure traffic from one network will make it to its destination network. Cogent is no stranger to peering disputes. Cogent pulled the plug on Telia, one of the largest backbones in Europe. Cogent has also had peering problems with Level3 in the fall of 2005 resulting in network breakage.

There is no word from Cogent as to when service will be restored.

Update! Read the PR Newswire report here or here.

Another Update; I have heard from Matthew Sullivan of Sprint who had this to say:

"Jay – I saw your “Sprint pulls the plug on Cogent…” story earlier tonight, and I’d like to offer a few comments on behalf of Sprint if you have an opportunity to update your article.

As you noted, Cogent is no stranger to peering disputes, and any statements by Cogent referencing “negotiations” or “pulling the plug” are tactics to deflect attention from the real issue relating to a contract that was agreed to and signed by both parties.

We simply want Cogent to honor the terms of an agreed upon contract. Also, we’ve provided Cogent with ample opportunity to honor its contract with Sprint or make alternate connectivity arrangements. "