Sun Download server blocking US users?

I just witnessed something a bit peculiar while trying to download the latest Java 6 JDK. Headed to http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp, and clicked on the Download button for "JDK 6 Update 4". This directed me to a 2nd page to "Select Platform for your download", the URL beginning with https://cds.sun.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/WFS/CDS-CDS_Developer-Site/en_US/-/USD/ViewFilteredProducts-SingleVariationTypeFilter.

No matter what platform I choose, the same page returns an error: "Your download transaction cannot be approved. Contact Customer Service."

This error is listed in Sun's Download Center FAQ at http://www.sun.com/download/faq.xml:

Q: Why am I stopped from downloading and getting the message, "Your download transaction cannot be approved. Contact Customer Service."

A: The Sun Download Center contains important safeguards to ensure compliance with the export regulations of the United States and with Sun's own policies regarding international distribution of software and source code. Sun also enforces all U.S. mandated embargoes and trade sanctions with regards to certain countries.

Your account most likely was flagged for review. Please contact Customer Service with your full contact information (name, company, address, phone, email address) and the name of the product you wish to download. We will review your account and reply.

Being a citizen of the United States, and receiving the error from a download request through Charter Communications in Wausau, WI, I find this very interesting. My IP resolves to x.x.x.x.dhcp.stpt.wi.charter.com. It also doesn't appear to be an issue with the browser or cookies, as I receive the error in both Firefox and Internet Explorer. I also tried the download request through a Charter business account, with an IP that resolves to x.x.x.x.static.stpt.wi.charter.com.

I followed the error link, submitted a download inquiry form, and promptly received an auto reply stating that the issue is under review and should probably be resolved within one business day.

Waiting to see what happens. Interesting...

Update:

I've yet to figure out exactly how these versions are supposed to related, but some have claimed that downloading from http://download.java.net/jdk6/binaries/ is the same thing. However, according to http://java.sun.com/javase/6/webnotes/ReleaseNotes.html, for version 1.6.0_04, "The full internal version number for this update release is 1.6.0_04-b12". However, what is posted on java.net is b11... (Please comment if you can help me clear up this confusion.)

Alternatively, you can try your luck with Google's search results.

Update:

Posted a question to the java.net forums regarding the JDK versions available on the jdk6.dev.java.net site: http://forums.java.net/jive/thread.jspa?threadID=37203

Also, according to Google Analytics, this site has received over 130 visits so far today - a new record. It appears most were related to this particular post, and that the requests came from 32 different countries! Interestingly, I've not seen any news from Sun about the issue nor have I received an email reply. One would think they would've at least put a note on their site, something to the effect of "We're aware of the issue and should have the issue resolved shortly."

Update (2008-02-27):

Received an email back from Sun Customer Support: "The Sun Download Center was experiencing technical difficulties but it is now functioning properly. Please try your download again again and let us know if you are still experiencing any problems. We apologize for the inconvenience."

Update (2008-03-17):

Ray Gans, one of the maintainers of the jdk6 project on dev.java.net, finally replied to my Forum post with some insightful information regarding the apparently missing source and binary releases: http://forums.java.net/jive/thread.jspa?threadID=37203