[council] TOR for New gTLDs: Public Comments 6 Dec to 9 January

[Ross Rader]

It is unclear to me precisely what we are looking for comments on - the 
process, the terms of reference, the issue, something else entirely? 
I've tried to find an explicit and authoritative statement that answers 
this question, but after an hour with icann.org and Google, I'm stymied.

Any assistance would be appreciated!

GNSO.SECRETARIAT at GNSO.ICANN.ORG wrote:
> [To: ga[at]gnso.icann.org; announce[at]gnso.icann.org]
> [To: liaison6c[at]gnso.icann.org]
> 
> ICANN opens public comment period on the Terms of Reference for New 
> gTLDs Policy Development Process of the GNSO Council.
> 06 December 2005
> http://www.icann.org/announcements/announcement-06dec05.htm
> gNSO Home Page: http://gnso.icann.org/
> Call for comments on gNSOwebsite:
> http://gnso.icann.org/comments-request/
> 
> 
> The ICANN bylaws require a public comment period of 20 days following 
> the iniation of a PDP.
> http://www.icann.org/general/archive-bylaws/bylaws-08apr05.htm#AnnexA
> 
> Terms of Reference for New gTLDs
> 
> 1. Should new generic top level domain names be
> introduced?
> 
> a. Given the information provided here and any
> other relevant information available to the GNSO, the GNSO should 
> assesswhether there is sufficient support within the Internet community 
> toenable the introduction of new top level domains. If this is the case
> the following additional terms of reference are applicable.
> 
> 2.  Selection Criteria for New Top Level Domains
> a. Taking into account the existing selection
> criteria from previous top level domain application processes and 
> relevant criteria in registry services re-allocations, develop modified 
> or new criteria which specifically address ICANN's goals of expanding 
> the use and usability of the Internet. In particular, examine ways in 
> which the allocation of new top level domains can meet demands for 
> broader use of the Internet in developing countries.
> 
> b. Examine whether preferential selection  criteria
> (e.g. sponsored) could be developed which would encourage new and
> innovative ways of addressing the needs of Internet users.
> 
> c. Examine whether additional criteria need  to be developed which 
> address ICANN's goals of ensuring the security and stability of the 
> Internet.
> 
> 3. Allocation Methods for New Top Level Domains
> 
> a. Using the experience gained in previous rounds, develop
> allocation methods for selecting new top level domain names.
> 
> b. Examine the full range of allocation methods including auctions, 
> ballots, first-come first-served and comparative  evaluation to 
> determine the methods of allocation that best enhance user choice while
> not compromising predictability and stability.
> 
> c. Examine how allocation methods could be used to achieve
> ICANN's goals of fostering competition in domain name registration
> services and encouraging a diverse range of registry services  providers.
> 
> 4  Policy to Guide Contractual Conditions for New Top Level Domains
> 
> a. Using the experience of previous rounds  of top level domain name 
> application processes and the recent amendments to registry services 
> agreements, develop policies to guide the  contractual criteria which 
> are publicly available prior to any application rounds.
> 
> b. Determine what policies are necessary to provide security and 
> stability of registry services.
> 
> c. Determine appropriate policies to guide a contractual compliance 
> programme for registry services.
> 
> 
> The "Issues Report" for this PDP is available at: 
> <http://gnso.icann.org/issues/new-gtlds/gnso-issues-rpt-gtlds-05dec05.pdf>.
> 
> The public comment period is from 6 December 2005 to 9 January 2006.
> 
> Comments may be submitted to the email address 
> <new-gtlds-pdp-comments at icann.org>
> 
> Comments submitted may be viewed at 
> <http://forum.icann.org/lists/new-gtlds-pdp-comments>
>