Calm Before the BEAD Funding Storm?
As 2025 draws to a close, the IPv4 transfer market continues to exhibit strong resilience and stability. Despite ongoing economic headwinds and a cautious investment climate across the technology sector, demand for IPv4 addresses has remained unwavering. Recent figures indicate 153 transfer requests were completed last month, a figure that surpasses the annual average of 148 per month, reinforcing the market’s consistent activity.
This steady performance demonstrates IPv4’s enduring role as a critical component of global network infrastructure. Even as IPv6 deployment expands worldwide, IPv4 continues to underpin core internet operations—supporting enterprise systems, cloud environments, and service provider networks. That persistent reliance has kept the market both active and balanced, with supply and demand moving largely in sync.
2025: A Year Characterized by Consistency and Market Confidence
The current year has been marked by equilibrium. After experiencing minor fluctuations in 2024, transfer activity quickly stabilized and has maintained a healthy rhythm throughout 2025. With an average of 148 monthly transactions and a recent uptick to 153, the market shows no signs of weakening.
This level of consistency reflects strategic positioning among network operators and enterprises. Many continue to acquire additional IPv4 blocks to scale infrastructure, accommodate traffic growth, and prepare for technology shifts driven by AI, IoT, and cloud computing. Meanwhile, sellers are finding favorable opportunities to monetize unused address space, maintaining a continuous flow of supply that keeps the marketplace well-balanced.
Pricing Stability Driven by Ample Supply and Reduced Hyperscaler Activity
Although transfer volumes have remained robust, IPv4 pricing has been notably steady throughout 2025. Two primary forces are contributing to this stability: sustained supply from enterprises and regional providers, and a slowdown in acquisitions from major cloud players.
The largest hyperscalers—Amazon, Microsoft, and Google—once exerted significant upward pressure on IPv4 prices. Over the past year, however, these organizations have largely fulfilled their immediate capacity needs and shifted focus toward IPv6 deployment. Their decreased participation has reduced competition for available address space, keeping prices within reach for smaller and mid-market buyers.
If the current hyperscaler slowdown continues into 2026, pricing is expected to hold steady in the short term. However, the outlook could change as Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding accelerates. As states begin distributing funds for broadband expansion, smaller internet service providers are anticipated to purchase more IPv4 blocks—potentially tightening supply and placing upward pressure on prices later in 2026.
Market Outlook: Stability with Room for Targeted Growth
Looking ahead, the IPv4 market appears positioned for another year of balance and reliability. Moderated hyperscaler demand, healthy mid-market participation, and consistent supply levels point to a continuation of current pricing trends through early 2026.
Nevertheless, the influx of broadband projects tied to BEAD funding could gradually shift market dynamics, especially if smaller providers increase their acquisition pace.
For now, the IPv4 ecosystem remains a model of steadiness in a rapidly evolving digital economy. With sustained transaction volumes, accessible pricing, and predictable market behavior, IPv4 continues to function as a vital, adaptable, and resilient asset supporting global connectivity.
More on ARIN and IPv4 Market Analysis
- September 2025: IPv4 Demand Holds Steady as Market Awaits Next Shift
- August 2025: IPv4 Market – Requests Stay Steady
- July 2025: IPv4 Transfer Surge Continues Despite BEAD Setbacks
- How to Do ARIN Transfers
- How The IPv4 Transfer Process Works
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