Address space for individuals

> It would help the debate if, as early as possible, other
> last resort registries could indicate their views, their
> current practice and their funding methods.  If recommendations
> are to be made, they should be based on as wide a poll as
> possible.

For the record, the UK situation.

Within JANET, we undertake two registry roles:

1. We assign numbers for those connecting to JANET. This is part of the
   general service we provide to customers connecting to JANET, and is
   effectively funded through the JANET connection charge and annual
   rental. Therefore we wouldn't unbundle a charge for network number
   assignment in these cases.

2. We're the NIC of last resort for the UK. This service is effectively
   unfunded -- we do it as part of the JANET registry activities. Our
   funding authorities in general think that doing this sort of thing is
   desirable (ie in the interests of networking in the UK), but (if we were
   to ask) wouldn't pay for it directly -- they'd expect us to fund it
   by charging those wanting numbers. Obviously, we don't bother asking,
   but the operation of this service is a constant drain, with the real
   possibility that we'll have to give it up (ie hand it back to the NCC)
   if it gets more onerous that at present.

For information, I'd reckon that processing a "simple" request, billing etc
would cost around 250 ECU. A more complex one, where there's a need to
discuss the situation in detail with the applicant might cost 500 ECU,
maybe more. With these sort of figures it'd probably be worth insisting
on having the registration fee come with the application, rather than
billing afterwards -- this should cut costs a bit. You'd still have to
generate a VAT receipt, though.

Bob