" The InterNIC allocates addresses to ISPs based on the slow start procedure as detailed in the ISP guidelines. Please utilize the /19, once you have reassigned the /19 and SWIPped them you may request additional address space and if the InterNIC feels you are assigning them efficiently you may request additional address space."
Because of this policy ISP's should start getting allocations from the InterNIC as soon as possible. If you get allocations from another provider, you don't gain any history with the InterNIC. All of that history goes to the provider's allocations, not yours. When you outgrow a provider (and the provider's provider), and later go to the InterNIC, you start over again with 'slow start.'
No, this isn't necessarily true. Many providers assume that just because they received a /19 or whatever from its upstream ISP they will automatically receive a larger block from the InterNIC with no questions asked. ISPs must show they've utilized any previously allocated blocks (whether from the InterNIC or from its upstream) efficiently to receive additional addresses. Once they do this than there's no problem receiving additional space. If they have not shown proper utilization than in some cases they will receive a smaller block to start. Kim
I made this mistake, and it has cost me dearly over the years. -- Sean Donelan, Data Research Associates, Inc, St. Louis, MO Affiliation given for identification not representation