[registrars] Constituency Statement on New gTLDs

[Ross Rader]

Registrars,

In order to better inform theGNSO's recently initiated new gTLD policy 
development process, I have been asked to solicit the views of the 
constituency on the subject. I have scheduled two calls for this week of 
two hours each to devote to this discussion. I don't expect that it will 
take a full four hours spanning two calls to cover the subject matter 
but did need to make arrangements to go overtime if necessary.

The calls will take place on January 18, 2006 and January 19, 2006 
between 3pm EST and 5PM EST. (I apologize to those that this is 
inconvenient for, but this time slot has the benefit of being mostly 
convenient for Asia-Pacific, North America and Europe.)

If you have any questions, please let me know.



Call-in details for this teleconference is as follows:

Conference number: 1-712-432-2000 (Iowa)

When prompted, please enter the following Access Code: *493559




Background material: ICANN Staff have created a comprehensive document 
that outlines the prior work undertaken by ICANN in this area. While it 
is not necessary to actually read it all prior to the call, passing 
knowledge of this document will provide an enhanced understanding of the 
relevant issues under consideration.

GNSO Council New gTLD Issues Report: 
http://gnso.icann.org/issues/new-gtlds/gnso-issues-rpt-gtlds-05dec05.pdf

Agenda:

Our goal is to discuss and answer these following questions. Note that I 
am not looking to determine what the consensus position is, but rather, 
to simply hear what our respective inputs are. All data will be captured 
and included in the final document. Please review these questions and be 
prepared to share your thoughts.

Questions:

1. Should new generic top-level domain names be introduced? 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) Taking into account the existing selection criteria from previous 
top-level domain application processes and relevant criteria in registry 
services reallocations, develop modified or new criteria that 
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 evaluations 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 
program for registry services.