[registrars] icann budget position (ascio)

[Nikolaj Nyholm <nikolajn@xxxxxxxxx>]

Extensive debate both in favour and disapproval of the proposed ICANN budget
has been flourishing on the Registrars' list during the last few days. 
Rather than take part in the current debate, I wish to sum up the position
of Ascio, a medium-sized Registrar. I don't know if it is useful; I don't
know if it is of any significance; I don't know if our opinion is widely
supported; but, we'd like to go on the record with our position.


 o It is in Ascio's interest to have a well functioning ICANN;

 o We wish to contribute financially to a well functioning ICANN; 

 o We acknowledge that Registrars take up a larger administrative burden
than is covered in current annual license fees, especially if ICANN is to
live up to overseeing that current Registrar obligations are met;

 o We are, however, concerned that there is no cap on the new per Registrar
variable fee, and propose a cap is set at a reasonable amount like
$25.000/year;

 o We believe that ICANN should take good care to ensure that future
registry contracts (both sTLDs and .net during a reassignment) ensures ICANN
to levy annual variable per Registry license fees that cannot automatically
be passed on to Registrars through price hikes as in the current Registry
contracts; and 

 o We finally believe that funds could and should be sought within the
constituency members of the GAC, as this is a significant new area where
ICANN has to direct attention in the light of the WSIS initiatives.



Best regards,

Nikolaj Nyholm
nikolajn@xxxxxxxxx