AS number revokes

Hi
    I am a bit concerned about an email we recieved threatening the
revokation of an assigned AS number if it did not appear to be used. It
concerns me for a number of reasons.

1. Our customer has had problems with other providers and there own network,
which has postponed the intended use of the AS for quite a few month, all
due to things out of their and our control.

2. If you do revoke it then the customer may suddenly get things fixed and
start using the AS as intended but in the meantime you assign it to another
customer and the problems ensue. If you do not assign it why whould you ask
for it back?

3. Just because an AS does not appear in the looking glass does not mean
that its not being used in situation which does not mean it does not need to
be announced at any looking glass.

Please could you clarify this situation?

Regards
Stephen Burley
UUNET EMEA Hostmaster
SB855-RIPE