[AfriNIC-rpd] Definitions of LIR versus End User

[SM]

Hi Duncan,
At 21:28 20-07-2012, Duncan Martin wrote:
>The present huge differences between the fees charged to End-Users 
>and those charged to LIRs show that AfriNIC's fees are not based on 
>cost-recovery, as would befit a non-profit entity, but, evidently, 
>on perceptions of the prices and implicit cross-subsidisations that 
>different market segments will tolerate.
>If definitions of End Users and LIRs and distinctions between End 
>Users and LIRs are indeed required in AfriNIC's fee structures, 
>should these not be justified in terms of AfriNIC's obligations and 
>responsibility as a RIR to ensure/promote good Internet numbering 
>practice in the Region?

If you think of it there isn't any constraint in existing policies 
about fees.  The contractual agreement uses wording from existing 
policies.  In simple terms you can change the fees without changing 
the policies.  The difference between End-Users and LIRs is more 
about legacy definitions.  I generally ask the person soliciting my 
vote what he or she will do for me.  If the person says that he or 
she will ensure good Internet numbering practices are followed, I 
would not understand what that means.

Cost recovery and cross-subsidization are two different matters.  How 
would cost recovery be determined assuming that it does not allow for 
any cross-subsidization?

Regards,
-sm