Frequently Asked Questions About the Legacy RSA
Q1. What is a Legacy number resource?
A1. A Legacy number resource is an Internet number resource that was issued by the Internet Registry (InterNIC or its predecessors) prior to the establishment of ARIN. These resources are not covered by a Registration Services Agreement with ARIN.
Q2. How and why does this Legacy RSA differ from those covering number resources previously or subsequently provided by ARIN?
A2. Legacy number resource holders will enjoy contract terms that differ from the terms ARIN normally requires. The bottom line reason for these benefits is to encourage Legacy holders to regularize the Legacy resources within the global IP number system under a very favorable set of terms. There are many benefits to Legacy holders from doing so.
The first important benefit is the contractual promise to continue receiving WHOIS and in-addr services. ARIN currently provides those services free to all Legacy address holders who maintain contact with ARIN. This could change if the community so desired.
The second important benefit is that the Legacy agreement precludes subsequent ARIN policies from limiting the rights of Legacy resources protected in RSA. For example, a subsequent policy that might seek to revoke underutilized resources would not apply to those who have signed the RSA.
The third important benefit is that the Legacy address RSA limits future increases in fees applicable to the services. In fact, the fees charged are nominal, [$100 per year in the first five years and capped per year subsequently.] The fees charged are intended to maintain accurate account records, to prevent hijacking or unforward events, not burden the Legacy address holder.
The Legacy RSA is fundamentally intended to provide comfort to the Legacy address holder.
Q3. If I currently hold Legacy address resources, must such resources be utilized before ARIN will issue new number resources to me?
A3. Yes. In the future, as now, ARIN will not issue new number resources to institutions who holds Legacy number resources without accounting for utilization of such resources. If a Legacy address holder attempts to transfer resources outside the ARIN system, then approaches ARIN to obtain such resources, ARIN is unlikely to issue new IPV4 resources to such a company unless the address utilization meets ARIN policy requirements.
Q4. How long will this Legacy RSA process last?
A4. ARIN's Board has indicated it will ask all Legacy address holders to voluntarily sign the very favorable Legacy RSA as soon as possible. Currently, ARIN's plan is that until December 31, 2009, the Legacy RSA will be available and there is no promise it will be available after that date. The global or ARIN policy process may require that more or less attractive agreements than this one will be made available in the future. If such future policies are, in the judgment of ARIN's Board of Trustees, more favorable to Legacy holders who have signed this Legacy RSA, ARIN will automatically make this revised RSA available to those who sign this Legacy RSA, but no Legacy RSA party who signs this agreement will be forced to change to later terms.
Q5. What will happen to unused number resources I choose to relinquish?
A5. Such resources will eventually be assigned to new applicants who can demonstrate the appropriate need for such resources per the need-based number resource policies in the ARIN region. If ARIN receives more unused resources than are needed in its service area, the number resources can be returned to IANA for its use or assignment to other RIRs.
Q6. Can ARIN take away the Legacy number resources my company or institution currently holds if I don't sign a Legacy RSA?
A6. Absent any forcing factor such as a publicly developed ARIN or global policy or a legal requirement, ARIN will not "take away" the Legacy resources, even if holders don't sign a Legacy RSA. However, signing the Legacy RSA contractually locks in a set of rights.