Unplayable lag

[Raist]

Same problem here, Verizon fIOS, Ashburn/DC, ridiculous lag in the evenings - makes this subscription game UNPLAYABLE - I have NO problem with any other MMO or online service. I really like the game, but if I can't play it the way it's meant to be played, I don't want to pay for it, and I really don't want to have to resort to paying a fee to another service just to be able to enjoy one game.

So, from what you guys are saying, there's really nothing SE can do? Or do they have some control over this Level 3 thing? I'm not at all technical.

Your ISP ultimately determines how you are routed normally (a VPN or proxy service allows you to alter it). Their policies and service agreements manage how you are routed within their own network, and if third-party peering/transit is needed they determine which service will be used as well as which exchange point will be used for the hand-off.

Pretty much every major ISP in the states will have arrangements with Level3, Cogent, and TATA. Ormuco peers with those same three as well as others. Your ISP doesn't have to stick with Level3. If they can't or aren't willing to work with Level3 to get issues assessed/addressed at an exchange point or along the assigned route, they have the resources to switch you to either an alternate exchange point or to a different peering partner.