Microsoft Buys Block of IPv4 Addresses for $7.5M

SEATTLE — Microsoft has shelled out $7.5 million for a block of IPv4 addresses being sold because of hardware vendor Nortel Network’s bankruptcy.

The software giant bought 666,624 IPv4 addresses at a cost of $11.25 each, more than the price of an average .com domain name, according to Thinq.co.uk.

Tech experts say the move marks the first sign of panic buying and a growing grey market as the supply of IPv4 addresses runs out before they can be replaced by the newer IPv6 protocol.

It was reported in February that the last block of IPv4 addresses had been sold, meaning the Internet is now full.

IPv6 uses a 128-bit addressing system to offer 34 undecillion (that's 3.4×10^38) addresses that experts say is more than enough. But switching over to IPv6 could be a slow process, as it requires network operators to replace a great deal of their infrastructure.

Microsoft's was the highest of four bids for Nortel's full IP allocation, which also attracted three bids for part of the block.

Based on the price that Microsoft paid, the value of the existing IPv4 space would be  $43.8 billion.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Lauren Phillips, Derek Kage Cap AEBN's Top Stars for 3rd Quarter of 2025

AEBN has revealed its most popular performers in straight and gay theaters for the third quarter of 2025.

XBIZ 2026 Conference to Debut All-New Company Lounges, Community Track

The event website for XBIZ 2026 is now live, unveiling details for North America’s largest adult industry conference, including two all-new show features: Company Lounges and a Community Track.

Mymember.site Integrates VR Functionality

Mymember.site has added virtual reality playback capability to its website management platform.

Texas Patti to Launch Fetish Platform 'EmpireDom'

Performer and content creator Texas Patti is launching a new platform for doms and fetish creators, EmpireDom.com.

Ohio AG Threatens Action Against 'Major' Adult Sites Over AV Law

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today that his office is sending "notice of violation" letters to 19 adult websites for failure to comply with the state's recently enacted age verification law.

Chaturbate Announces 2025 Music Contest Winners

Chaturbate has revealed the winners of its 2025 music competition.

2026 XBIZ Exec Awards Pre-Noms Open With Debut of New 'Impact' Honors

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the pre-nomination period for the 2026 XBIZ Exec Awards, the adult industry’s premier career honor, begins today and runs through Oct. 14.

MYM Rolls Out New Traffic Features for German Creators

German platform MYM has launched a new traffic system for its creators.

Ukrainian Content Creators on Hook for Nearly $10M in Back Taxes

Content creators in Ukraine owe the equivalent of $9.3 million in back taxes, according to the country's State Tax Service.

Eroutique Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Eroutique has relaunched its official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Show More