Petition against the use of L2TP for static IP addresses

Some iSPs sell static IP addresses which almost no-one can use. One would need a router that is capable of L2TP tunneling and that supports tunnel authentication with a shared secret. The latter being the determining factor in the successful configuration of such a tunnel.

Many people do not own equipment capable of this sort of configuration, not because it is a highly sophisticated feature but much rather because it is inferior and unsecure. The solution they provide in some cases are leased equipment that are to be managed by the ISP and NOT the client and in other cases just the replacement of one's equipment with equipment that is capable of this configuration.

It is the consensus of the relative market that one of the following courses of action be taken:

1. An easier to use method be implemented such as automatic configuration via Radius or another method of autoconfiguration via PPPoE authentication
2. Consumers be allowed to assign static IP addresses to the WAN interface of their ADSL / VDSL equipment
3. The current configuration be updated to a more compatible standard
4. Any other suitable course of action be taken in order to address the issue

It is also the consensus of the relative market that the current service offerings does not provide enough flexibility in choice to the consumer and that it makes the offerings less accessible.

The service providers need to keep in mind that static IP addresses may in some cases cause security vulnerabilities but can also add to the security of a consumer's widespread network when implemented properly.

We trust that you, the service provider, along with the necessary authorities will take the necessary course of action to find a solution in a timely and effective manner otherwise we, the consumers, will have no other choice but to appeal to the applicable authorities ourselves.

We thank you for your co-operation.