[registrars] Proposed terms of reference for policy development on new TLDs

[Bhavin Turakhia]

Hi bruce,

Could you tell us what the below document is to serve as. Is it input for a
GNSO process for answering the below questions?

bhavin 

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-registrars at gnso.icann.org 
> [mailto:owner-registrars at gnso.icann.org] On Behalf Of Bruce Tonkin
> Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2005 10:52 PM
> To: registrars at gnso.icann.org
> Subject: [registrars] Proposed terms of reference for policy 
> development on new TLDs
> 
> Hello All,
> 
> 
> Please see below the terms of reference proposed by the ICANN 
> staff for
> the policy development activity on new TLDs.
> 
> Please let me know if you have any suggested changes.
> 
> Regards,
> Bruce Tonkin
> Registrars rep on GNSO Council
> 
> 
> Item 2: Terms of reference for new TLDs
> (staff recommendation from issues report)
> 
> (1) Should new top level domain names be introduced? 
> 
> (a)	Given the information provided here and any other relevant
> information available to the GNSO, the GNSO should assess 
> whether there
> is sufficient support within the Internet community to enable 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)	Using 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 could be
> developed which would encourage new and innovative ways of addressing
> the needs of Internet users.
> 
> (c)	Examine whether distinctions between restricted, unrestricted,
> sponsored and unsponsored top level domains are necessary and how the
> choice of distinctions meets the interests of relevant stakeholders.
> 
> (d)	Examine whether additional criteria need to be developed which
> address ICANN's goals of ensuring the security and stability of the
> Internet.
> 
> (e)	Examine whether additional criteria can be developed to
> normalize and simplify the administrative process of selecting and
> implementing new top level domains.
> 
> 
> (3) Allocation Methods for New Top Level Domains
> 
> (a)	Using the experience gained in previous rounds of top level
> domain name application processes, develop modified or new criteria
> which simplify and standardize the allocation methods for 
> selecting new
> top level domain names.
> 
> (b)	Examine the full range of allocation methods including auctions,
> ballots and comparative evaluation processes to determine the most
> predictable and stable method of implementing additions to 
> the Internet
> root. 
> 
> (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) 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 modified or new contractual criteria which are
> publicly available prior to any application rounds.
> 
> (b)	Examine whether additional contractual conditions are necessary
> to improve ICANN's contractual compliance regime to provide
> predictability and security of registry services.
> 
> (c)	Examine whether a registry services code of conduct, in addition
> to contractual conditions, would improve a compliance regime which is
> easily understandable and recognizes differences in approaches to
> offering registry services whilst, at the same time, ensuring the
> stability and security of the Internet.
>