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

["Bruce Tonkin" <Bruce.Tonkin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello Bhavin,

The GNSO Council at its meeting on Monday voted to initiate an official
policy development process on new gTLDs.

The aim is to do this in the first half of 2006, with implementation in
the second half of 2006.

The text below is the proposed terms of reference of the policy
development process.

Regards,
Bruce Tonkin


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bhavin Turakhia [mailto:bhavin.t@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx] 
> Sent: Wednesday, 30 November 2005 9:29 AM
> To: Bruce Tonkin; registrars@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: RE: [registrars] Proposed terms of reference for 
> policy development on new TLDs
> 
> 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@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx 
> > [mailto:owner-registrars@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Bruce Tonkin
> > Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2005 10:52 PM
> > To: registrars@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > 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.
> > 
> 
>