Reminder: Input Needed on new gTLDs and old sTLDs

Input Requested on:

 

• the introduction of new gTLDs (deadline extended to 31 Janary 2006)
• review of sTLDs (before 4 February 2006)

 

Introduction of New gTLDs (generic top level domains)

ICANN is creating a process for introducing new generic top level domain names (gTLDs) and the ALAC needs the At-Large community's input *before 31 January 2006* to help ensure this process meets individual Internet users' needs. Post comments on a "Wiki" page. Views may also be shared via the At-Large forum.

Here are the issues that need to be addressed:

 

1. Should new generic top level domain names be introduced?
2. Selection Criteria for New Top Level Domains
3. Allocation Methods for New Top Level Domains
4. Policy to Guide Contractual Conditions for New Top Level Domains

 

The GNSO Council, a primary policy-making body within ICANN, launched a new policy development process to guide ICANN on the introduction of new gTLDs. ICANN wants to take the lessons learned from past TLD introductions, along with community input, and develop a new process for introducing TLDs. The ALAC needs input from the At-Large community to develop detailed guidance for ICANN.

A "Wiki page" has been created on (note: this site is not affiliated with ICANN) to enable At-Large community members to share their views and help shape the ALAC's recommendations on-line. Go to the Wiki page. click "edit" in the section you want to discuss, and add your comments. Please let the ALAC know if you find this method of sharing views useful.

In the past, the ALAC has pushed ICANN to regularize the process of examining and approving new TLD proposals, and has urged ICANN to move beyond testbeds and evaluations and permit those proposing new TLDs to put their plans into effect. Last year ICANN launched a limited process for selecting new sponsored TLDs (sTLDs) from a pool of ten applications. The ALAC recommended that, rather than restrict the applicant pool to a few sTLDs, ICANN create a quick, effective and uncontroversial process for the creation of any kind and number of new TLDs.

More information is available from ICANN and the ALAC.

Also, the GNSO is inviting organisations, groups, and individuals to submit substantive papers to inform their policy development efforts on new gTLDs. Respondents should address the topics described in detail in the announcement and should provide reasoned background analysis and references for statements expressed.

Review of sTLDs (sponsored top level domains)

Three of the first round sTLDs, .aero, .coop, and .museum, will have their contracts up for renewal next year and ICANN has asked for comments on them by 4 February 2006.

All three have submitted applications for renewals under about the same terms as they currently have but with more flexibility in the registration process. The renewal proposals are supposed to address the effectiveness of the Sponsor in meeting the needs of the Sponsored TLD Community, proposed changes to the Charter and the delegation of policy-development responsibility from ICANN to Sponsor, and whether the Sponsor has complied with all material terms of the current Agreement.

None of the three domains has gotten more than 5% of the registrations they projected in 2001. Is this a problem? Should these domains continue under the same management? Under different management?

The ALAC is preparing comments on all three renewals and needs the input of your organization/its members *before 4 February 2006* to help ensure this process meets individual Internet users' needs. A "Wiki page" has been created on (note: this site is not affiliated with ICANN) to enable At-Large community members to share their views and help shape the ALAC's recommendations on-line. Post comments on the "Wiki page". Views may also be shared via the At-Large forum.

More information is included in ICANN's request for comments.