The not-for-profit, membership-based group also noted the surge in the development of networks providing mobile Internet connections.

Research and analyst firm Ovum forecasted that mobile-only Internet users could reach one billion users by 2015. Yet, a mobile device is just one of the means to connect to the Internet.

Wilson said: "Strict allocation policies are in place to ensure IP addresses are available to those with a demonstrated need. However, the Asia Pacific community is consuming vast amounts of address space as it fuels growth across the region. It is APNIC's duty to manage the available address space responsibly and equitably for the benefit of everyone in the Asia Pacific."

But no matter how prepared, an independent analyst firm said the Internet world will still be taken by surprise when the IPv4 addresses are finally exhausted.

Said Craig Skinner, senior consultant, Ovum: "Despite the plentiful predictions and warnings for some time that this point was approaching, some organisations will undoubtedly be caught by surprise. IPv6 addresses were designed as the solution to the predicted shortage of IPv4 addresses, but as an industry, it has been easier to extend usage of IPv4 rather than undergo the challenge of transitioning to IPv6."