ARIN Proposal

[Michael D. Bathrick]

I have to agree with David - the fees posted will do nothing but hurt the
small ISP, many of whom are running on the hairy edge of existance.  We
were never consulted when Network Solutions chose to impose a domain
registration fee - but at least that fee was within reason.  The fees
currently proposed are outrageous.

Though I agree that the IP registration may be warranted, ANY pricing
this high is anti-competitive and can make the difference between success
and failure for a small company struggling in a competitive environment
such as the ISP is now facing.  The very fact that this has been taking
place in a nearly 'secret' manner (in other words - without those whom
this plan will affect the most being notified - much like the decision to
charge domain registration was made) points to a group of folks who don't
care what the effect of their decisions will produce.

The pricing for this service MUST be brought down to a level that the
average 'mom & pop' ISP can deal with.  Else expect a major problem with
getting the folks you are regulating to co-operate.

Mike

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On Mon, 20 Jan 1997, David A. Dobbs wrote:

> I oppose the formation of the ARIN (American Registry for Internet Numbers)
> without further justifiable reasoning and demonstrated need.  I have many
> questions and concerns.
>
> 1)      Why are the fees needed?  What has changed or is about to change that
> the formation of a new organization is needed?
>
> 2)      Under what authority does Network Solution, Inc. have to create a new
> organization that would impose these fees?  Under what authority would this
> organization enforce or control allocation and issuance of IP addresses?
>
> 3)      What was the criterion used to decide how much the fees should be and
> who should pay these fees?  Is this a plan to weed out numerous small ISPs
> and to discourage new startup ISPs?
>
> 4)      How will the money be spent?  This organization would be collecting many
> millions of dollars.  What would the ISP get in return?  What is the
> benefit?
>
> 5)      Who will be the people what will make up this organization?  How will
> the "select" few be chosen?  Persons that "understand" the issues as the
> issues are defined by Network Solutions, Inc. or if by representative
> people from the Internet community (ISP's, vendors, government, educators,
> corporate users, back bone providers), will they like minded with interest
> similar to big business?  Who will oversee this group of people (i.e., the
> registry)?
>
> I ask that this plan NOT be implemented until they can make reasonable
> answers and assurances.
>
> Thank you
>
> David A. Dobbs
> Data Processing Manager
> Saco River Tel & Tel Co
> (207) 929-9250
> dadobbs at mix-net.net
>