Simple question...

[Michael Dillon]

On Thu, 1 May 1997, Alan Bechtold wrote:

> I understand that major ISPs getting a large allocation from ARIN must agree
> to allocate smaller blocks of space to other organizations (presumably
> smaller organizations) who connect to them. This is a good thing. However,
> is there any REQUIREMENT that they serve those smaller organizations at all?
> In other words, can a larger ISP simply decide as a business policy that
> they are no longer going to serve other ISPs and still obtain their
> allocation. I know of a couple of larger ISPs considering or already
> implementing this practice...dropping service to smaller ISPs.

There have always been network providers who do not sell connections to
resellers, aka ISPs. This is a business decision that ARIN has no say in. 
Regardless of who a network provider sells to, they will need to get
address space from ARIN to allocate to their connected customers.

> I've heard here the argument that competitive pressures will continue to
> make it profitable to serve smaller ISPs who are admittedly, today, some
> ISPs' largest customers. But it appears some larger ISPs are today
> realizing that the smaller ISPs they serve are also competing against
> them for end users. 

It has always been like this. As the Internet market grows, it is not
surprising that we see some specialization. But, as you point out, ISPs
represent a very significant customer base so there will always be
companies willing to supply them.


Michael Dillon                   -               Internet & ISP Consulting
http://www.memra.com             -               E-mail: michael at memra.com

The bottom line is track record.  Not track tearing.  Not track derailing.
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       -- Randy Bush