U.S. Government Considers $11 Billion Sale of IPv4 Address Space Amid Global Shortage

The United States government is weighing a monumental decision regarding its vast holdings of unused IPv4 addresses, potentially setting the stage for one of the largest digital asset sales in federal history.

According to Mark Bayliss, a member of the Federal Communications Commission’s Technology Advisory Council (TAC), the proposed sale, under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), could generate up to $11 billion in revenue. This windfall would be channeled into critical national projects.

The move comes as the global shortage of IPv4 address space intensifies. Simultaneously, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has mandated a federal shift to IPv6 by January 2025. This transition aligns with the sale’s timing, offering the U.S. government an opportunity to capitalize on the high market demand for IPv4 addresses.

Rather than releasing unused IPv4 assets to the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) for redistribution, the Department of Defense (DoD) is exploring monetization options. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) would oversee the process to ensure the sale is transparent, fair, and adheres to U.S. regulations.

If approved, the sale would not only support the DoD’s resource optimization but also provide a significant financial boost, aiding in the advancement of strategic initiatives across the country.

Hausa360 will continue to monitor and provide updates on this groundbreaking development in federal digital resource management.