On 31/10/2007, David Conrad <david.conrad@icann.org> wrote:
The fact that _you_ can't see a routing announcement for a particular prefix does NOT mean the prefix isn't announced somewhere. There are these things called "private networks" and they do interconnect outside of the context of the "public" Internet.
I'm sorry, I might be missing some enormous point here, but since when were these companies sold IP addresses or given indefinite title to them? If they received them legitimately and they are in active use then they have a responsiblity to keep the contact information up to date, as per their original agreement (presumably... barring some huge historical cock-up). I say, for every prefix not in the routing table, that is not registered under a paid-up LIR or equivalent, send them repeated automated communications and if they fail to respond, *they* have neglected *their* responsibilities and have lost their right to a loan of a finite pubic resource. If they do not keep up with their responsibilities to keep their records up to date, then why should they be treated any different from the gazillion former class Bs that no longer exist? And why should we be concerned about keeping their networks running when they have no concern about the operation of our internet? If we can't distinguish betwen the legitimate class B holders and the Erie Forge and Steels, then why should it be our burden to do so? Why must we pander to the 5% of those guys who even still exist when they refuse to cooperate? David