[Icp2-review] MAINTAINING IP CONSISTENCY WITHIN RIRS

[Lauraine smith]

Title: Maintaining IP Consistency Within RIRs


Dear colleauges,

Because inter-RIR IP address transfers are not always supported, the global
register has gaps. For example, IPv6 portability across regions does not
exist, and AFRINIC has no rules for address transfers between RIRs. "Number
portability," modeled on the telephone system, has been proposed as a
solution: organizations should be able to retain their IP allocations when
switching providers or relocating operations.

Proposed Operational Enhancements

To address this, Article 4.1 could include a clause requiring that all RIRs
allow IPv4 and IPv6 allocations to be portable across service regions and
providers. Resource Holders should retain their allocations whenever
operational control moves, with only necessary constraints applied to
ensure responsible management. Inter-RIR cooperation is essential to
guarantee that transfers are handled efficiently, transparently, and
without capricious restrictions.


Maintaining Open and Equitable Procedures

Transfer procedures must be fair and well documented.  A RIR should never
reject a valid request unless there is a strong legal or policy reason to
do so. Where Resource Holders find a new policy or contractual clause
unacceptable, they should be able to transfer IP addresses promptly,
safeguarding operational continuity and registration integrity.

Member-Driven Governance Oversight

Equally important is member-driven oversight. Although ICANN audits are
feasible, there isn't a straightforward way to examine governance or handle
board member concerns. Petitions endorsed by 100 members or 5% of the
membership should be able to initiate a comprehensive review by the NRO
Executive Council through a Member-Initiated Compliance Review procedure.
The RIR under review must work completely with the process. Findings and
recommendations for resolving problems, including potential sanctions or
dismissals of members of the governing body, should be included in public
reports.
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