This communication was originally draft by Avri Doria; this Correspondence [PDF, 183 KB] notes that:
The members of the At-Large New gTLD WG appreciate the efforts that have gone into the preparation of the New gTLD Applicant Support Program (ASP) and are encouraged by the decision of the Board to allow some applicants to apply for a fee reduction. In its review of ICANN Board Resolutions 2011.12.08.01 – 2011.12.08.03 and of the New gTLD Applicant Support Program: Financial Assistance released by ICANN Staff on 20 December 2011 several concerns have surfaced. These concerns, each of which is discussed separately below, relate to the following issues:
- The lack of specificity on the criteria by which the financial need of a support applicant is judged and the onerous nature of the outcome in the case an applicant does not meet ICANN criteria for the program.
- The Outreach Program of new gTLDs and for the Support program
- The application of the $2 MUSD to the fee reduction as opposed to other financial needs of aspiring registries
- The lack of action on the creation of a Foundation and/or Fund for the purpose of fund raising.
This is a statement from an At-Large Working Group which did not undergo the At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) ratification process.