[arin-ppml] Free-pool allocation policy (Re: Draft Policy ARIN-2017-9: Clarification of Initial Block Size for IPv4 ISP Transfers)

[John Curran]

On 25 Jan 2018, at 8:34 PM, John Curran <jcurran at arin.net> wrote:
> ….
>     Note that as a practical matter the ISP would no IPv4 space from ARIN, but instead go to the waiting list for an uncertain chance at receiving some resources in the future. 

Note as a follow-on for thought -  The discussion of free-pool allocation policy also raises an important issue: specifically, in light of free-pool depletion, what is the policy purpose of IPv4 free-pool allocation policy given an active and functional transfer market?  

While a waiting list policy that allows for receiving allocations similar to historical practice has obviously been an important transitional mechanism (providing a functional alternative at runout while the market got established and for those who were caught unaware), its goals at this point are less clear.  If the goal is to help those who lack financial resources with an opportunity to receive resources, then one would expect entry to the waiting list (and issuance when available) to be conditioned on same.  If the goal is help as many parties as possible, then allocation of anything other than the minimum allocation size (/24) would seem ill-advised, as would supporting additional allocation requests. 

It might be worth the community spending some time discussing the underlying goals of the post-depletion IPv4 allocation policy, as it is unclear whether its goals meaningfully overlap that of the transfer policy.  

Thanks! 
/John

John Curran
President and CEO
ARIN