the NIC?

scottw@internic.net (Scott Williamson) writes:

  > Peter,
  >
  > First someone must provide the definition for : What is a provider?
  > Do we just give a block to any one who said they are a provider?
  > This question has been batted around over and over with no answer. It
  > sound simple but we get some very small operation asking for their own
  > block. Shouldn't their current next level provider be involved to some
  > extent with these smaller operations?
  >
  > Scott

FYI here is what we do at the RIPE NCC:

- We ask them for their own estimates on what they will need

  - immediately
  - within one year
  - within 2 years

  We ask for estimates whith some justification. This usually gives us some
  idea of what they are about.

- If the above does not give us enough information we will use any sources
  available to us.

- If we conclude that delegating a whole block is not justified at that point
  we will delegate part of a block. After all a block is not a
  physical quantum.

- Crucial: We always tell them more than once that this is just the initial
  procedure and once they come back with a report on how the first allocation
  was used they can readily get more address space.

Most importantly: We will, as a matter of policy, not get involved in any
discussion whatsoever about who is a provider and who is not.
This will just lead to fruitless discussions and cycles wasted.

Of course all providers are expected to contribute to the funding of the
RIPE NCC :-).

Hope this helps

Daniel