IPv4 Prices Stable as Hyperscalers Step Back

The IPv4 market continues to demonstrate impressive resilience and stability as we move through the final quarter of 2025. Despite global economic fluctuations and ongoing uncertainty in technology spending, demand for IPv4 addresses has remained remarkably consistent. In fact, the latest data shows that 153 transfer requests were recorded last month, reinforcing the market’s steady pace and keeping it well above the 2025 average of 148 requests per month.

This consistency underscores the IPv4 market’s enduring importance in supporting digital infrastructure around the world. While IPv6 adoption continues to expand, IPv4 remains the backbone of global connectivity — powering enterprise networks, cloud infrastructure, and service provider systems. That ongoing reliance helps explain why the market continues to perform at such a healthy level, balancing active demand with a consistent flow of supply.

A Year of Stability and Confidence

So far, 2025 has been a year defined by balance. After some modest dips in 2024, the market rebounded quickly and has maintained an average of 148 transfers per month, one of the strongest sustained performances in recent years. The recent bump to 153 transfers is yet another signal that the ecosystem remains active and confident.

This steady performance suggests that organizations are continuing to make strategic network investments — acquiring IP resources to expand data centers, launch new platforms, and prepare for increased bandwidth needs driven by AI, IoT, and cloud computing. Meanwhile, sellers continue to find favorable conditions to monetize unused or legacy IPv4 space, creating a balanced marketplace that benefits both sides.

Strong Supply and Hyperscaler Slowdown Keep Prices Stable

Even with strong transfer activity, prices have remained relatively stable throughout 2025. A key reason for that is the steady supply entering the market from enterprises and regional providers. But another important factor has been the notable slowdown in IPv4 purchases from hyperscalers — major cloud and tech companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google.

These large buyers were previously among the biggest drivers of upward pricing pressure in the IPv4 market. However, over the past year, most of them have met their immediate infrastructure needs and are relying more on IPv6 in new deployments. Their reduced purchasing activity has helped ease competition for available IPv4 blocks, keeping prices at accessible levels for small and mid-sized buyers.

If hyperscaler activity remains low heading into 2026, prices could stay relatively flat in the short term. However, that may change when BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) funding starts to roll out more aggressively. As thousands of broadband projects ramp up across the U.S., smaller ISPs will likely begin acquiring large volumes of IPv4 space, which could drive renewed upward pressure on prices.

Outlook: A Balanced Market Heading into 2026

For now, the IPv4 market remains comfortably stable — a positive sign for both buyers and sellers navigating an evolving digital landscape. The recent increase to 153 transfers isn’t just a statistic; it’s a reflection of a mature, well-functioning market that continues to adapt to shifting demand.

As 2026 approaches, all signs point to continued balance in the IPv4 ecosystem. Hyperscaler slowdown, steady mid-market demand, and anticipated BEAD-driven activity together suggest a year of stable prices with the potential for modest increases once broadband funding accelerates.

IPv4 may be a finite resource, but the market surrounding it remains dynamic, resilient, and vital to the world’s digital growth.