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Communication

IPv6 in 2010

On 27 May 2008 the European Commission adopted a Communication entitled ''Advancing the Internet - Action Plan for the deployment of Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) in Europe'', in the objective is established to implement version 6 of the Internet protocol on the part of 25 per cent of users (public administrations, companies and private users), by 2010. This transition should be achieved without great differences to the services and content provided with the current version of the protocol, IPv4, which encompasses 4300 million addresses, of which just 700 million (16 per cent) remain available.

A raft of measures is defined in the Communication, including:

  • Actions to stimulate IPv6 accessibility to content, services, and applications: it is proposed that the public sector adopt the new protocol - in 2010, the Commission will set an example making the ''Europa'' and ''CORDIS'' websites IPv6 accessible - financial aid through European protocols and programmes (as in the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme and the Framework Programme 7 of the European Union);
     
  • Actions to generate demand for IPv6 connectivity and products through public procurement: the EC calls upon Member States to prepare their networks for IPv6 and to include, when renewing their external services contracts, provisions for IPv6 connectivity, both in terms of network and equipment, a call which will also be enacted by the Commission itself;
     
  • Actions to ensure timely preparation for IPv6 deployment: awareness campaigns by the EC, the support of standardization actions in relation to IPv6 interoperability, transitioning and availability and the invitation to Member States to support the inclusion of IPv6 technology in relevant retraining curricula and in computer and network engineering courses of universities;
     
  •  Actions to tackle security and privacy issues: The EC will disseminate best practices and will work with vendors to provide full IPv6 functionality. Where necessary the Commission will call upon the expertise of the European Network and Information Security Agency, ENISA, to support these efforts. The Commission will also monitor the privacy and security implications of widespread IPv6 deployment, in particular through consultation with data protection or law enforcement authorities.

This EC action plan is scheduled to be executed over the next 3 years, with progress reports and regular communications with the i2010 High Level Group on its development.

In 2010 the Commission will conduct a review to decide if any follow-up actions are required.

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