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prop-053-v002:  Changing minimum IPv4 allocation size to /22
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Author:    Rajesh Chharia
           <rc@cjnet4u.com>

Version:   1

Date:      18 February 2008 



1.  Introduction
----------------
This is a proposal to change the minimum IPv4 allocation size from /21
to /22 and to create a new Tiny membership tier with an annual fee of
AU$500 for members with a /22 allocation.


2.  Summary of current problem
------------------------------
If a small ISP receives the current minimum IPv4 allocation size of
/21, the ISP falls into the Small APNIC membership tier and must pay
an annual fee of AU$3,169 [1].

In India, there are a lot of smaller ISPs and Information Technology
Enabled Services (ITES) who do not actually require a /21. These ISPs
and ITES would be satisfied with a /22 if it meant that the associated
fees for the allocation were reduced. 

However, the option of an allocation of less than a /21 is not 
currently available. This means that small ISPs and ITES must pay an
IP resource application fee for a first allocation and an ongoing fee
of a minimum of AU$3,169 per year for an allocation. 


3.   Situation in other RIRs
----------------------------
The minimum IPv4 allocation sizes in other RIR regions are:

- AfriNIC:  /22
- ARIN:     /22 for multihoming, otherwise /20
- LACNIC:   /20
- RIPE:     /21


4.   Details of the proposal
----------------------------
It is proposed that:

    1. The minimum IPv4 allocation size be changed from /21 to /22.

    2. A new Tiny membership tier be introduced for /22 allocations.
    
       This new Tiny tier would have a lower annual fee that would
       be decided by the APNIC Executive Council following discussion
       in the Policy SIG.
       

5.   Advantages and disadvantages of the proposal
-------------------------------------------------
Advantages:

- Small ISPs will be able to request an allocation smaller than a /21.

- More small ISPs will be able to afford direct allocations from
  APNIC.

- IP resources can be saved by reducing potential waste associated
  with giving a /21 to small ISPs and ITES that do not need that much
  space.


Disadvantage:

- No disadvantage to anybody.


6.   Effect on APNIC members
----------------------------
A lot of new smaller members will join APNIC.


7.   Effect on NIRs
-------------------
No effect.


References
----------
[1]  APNIC member fee schedule: tiers, fees, and descriptions
     http://www.apnic.net/docs/corpdocs/member-fee-schedule.html