I ve heard that really big ISPs have been effected. You may want to check your registration as you approach your renewal date by using the InterNIC s whois service. No, it remains deactivated for a period of time after which if payment is not received it is deleted and becomes available for others. There is absolutely no distinction given to the location of the registrant in relation to a registration request. InterNIC makes best efforts to provide uniform level of customer service to all registrants.
Deactivation are an ongoing business practice.
At the present time there are concentrated efforts to bring all records in the InterNIC database current. Additionally we host mailing lists for distributing registration related information.