Why RIPE NCC Should Change?

At Fri Mar 22 15:27:14 CET 2024 RIPE NCC mailed members with the subject [members‑discuss] RIPE NCC Charging Scheme 2025 Open House: Recording and Slides Available. The thread ignited an unprecedented wave of replies on the members‑discuss list.

What we heard

  • Sharp fee increases unaccompanied by visible service improvements.
  • Limited insight into the cost structure behind the 2025 draft charging scheme.
  • Insufficient time for meaningful member input before adoption.

Why this matters

RIPE NCC is a membership association, not a commercial vendor. Its charging model must be predictable, transparent, and equitable. Anything less erodes trust and, ultimately, the stability of Internet number‑resource governance in our region.

Our proposal in brief

  1. Cost‑based, not volume‑based fees that reflect the actual expense of the services each member consumes.
  2. Budget discipline: cap annual operational‑expenditure growth at the average EU inflation rate unless members explicitly approve an exception.
  3. Full transparency: publish a line‑item budget and quarterly spending reports.
  4. Member veto window: introduce a 30‑day objection period before any fee change takes effect.

Get involved

We are committed to a funding model that sustains RIPE NCC’s mission while respecting the interests of every member. Your voice shapes that outcome.