[address-policy-wg] Transfer Requirements for IPv4 Allocations

Hi all,

I'm not sure if this model has been mentioned in a RIPE meeting or via
the list, but here in the UK, Ofcom (http://www.ofcom.org.uk/ telco
regulator) allocates telephone numbers to communication providers.
These are free and can be thought of kind of like IPv4. For the bigger
cities you get 10k blocks, for the smaller cities you get a 1k block
(think like a /22). Now there are 20+ cities that are running out of
telephone numbers so in order to get more you have to present a
business case, customer purchase order and also show your utilisation
figures.

For these 20+ cities you also get charged £0.40 per number per year
for any you hold. If you port them to a new company or the customer
moves to another provider, this comes down to £0.20. It is a weird
system but does slow down the usage and forces others not using to
return them. It doesn't solve the long term problem of them running
out, but that is being solved by requiring the full area code being
dialled not just the local part (will explain offlist if anyone is
interested).

I know big network operators would just pay a cost, but does any of
above seem relevant to getting things returned to the pot? I know it
doesn't solve them running out and similar things have been discussed,
but I thought I'd mention it in case it stimulates any ideas.

Thanks,

Gavin.