[members-discuss] Input from Membership on RIPE NCC Charging Scheme Model

On 21/09/2016 15:46, Muntasir.Ali at newham.gov.uk wrote:
> Hi,
>
>
> As a non-profit LIR with a /16 Legacy IPv4 address space, and only Legacy space within IPv4, we would be opposed to any charging models based on size of IP allocations, especially those which include Legacy space within consideration of calculating what is charged.  This is considering that many (not all) of the proposed "solutions" may make it more expensive or infeasible for us to retain membership were they implemented as described.  Our main motivation of joining up was for IPv6 address space allocation, so that we can move to enabling IPv6 services on our networks.  If it turns out more expensive to retain membership simply because of our Legacy address space, were RIPE to adopt a model based on size of IP address space, then for us, it would make more sense to set up a new business and register that as a brand new LIR without any IPv4 space, and just ask for an IPv6 allocation.  If the charging model is based purely on IPv4 space, then in theory if we have no IPv4 registered, we don't get charged anything?  We don't need the "free" /22 currently offered to new members.  Even though we are currently eligible for the extra /22 on top of our Legacy space, we have chosen not to take up the offer, since we know the /22 would be better served allocated to another RIPE member; hording it makes no sense for us nor for the wider community.
>

Speaking also as a non-profit, academic LIR with legacy IPv4 address
space, I too would be opposed to any charging model whereby the legacy
address space was billed based on size.  I moved all our address space
to within RIPE and thereby pay an additional 450 Euro on top of the 1400
Euro membership fee (50 Euro x 9).  I consider that fair.

One has to understand that legacy holders are a minority.  The vast
majority of LIRs are newcomers.  This vast majority can one day wake up
and vote to charge all legacy holders a 10,000Euro fee per object -
simply because they can.  Their fee would go down a bit and legacy
holders would either have to leave with their objects or pay through the
nose.  As in any democracy,  there are checks and balances such that the
executive branch would have to veto any such proposal.  Hopefully.

-Hank