The internet is expected to run out of IPv4 addresses soon and the countries around the world are gearing up for the change to the newer standard.

India is also in the process of devising mechanism to shift to the IPv6 protocol by March 2012 which will offer enhanced options for the users. The country is fast running out of the existing protocol with new mobile phone subscribers and the rollout of 3G and broadband wireless access.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has prepared a roadmap for the change and it will be followed by telecom and Internet providers, central and state government departments, industry associations, education institutes and equipment manufacturers, according to the ministry.

Tech experts are now preparing for the change to IPv6. According to Union Communications Minister A. Raja the roadmap and IPv6 task force will enable transition to the new protocol by March 2012. He expressed that to achieve this goal all service providers will have to become complaint to the new standard by December-2011.

The IPv6 will provide much greater address space and unlimited possibilities to integrate greater number of devices into the web. The new protocol is currently being implemented by US, Europe, and Japan.