[AfrICANN-discuss] Questions on new gTLDs process at ICANN?

Wed May 9 15:39:53 SAST 2007

Thank Anne-Rachel,

This is very helpful for some of us in sensitising persons in our 
community about ICANN and DNS issues.

Regards
Irene

"Anne-Rachel Inné" <annerachel at gmail.com> 
Sent by: africann-bounces at afrinic.net
05/09/2007 03:52 PM
Please respond to
africann at afrinic.net

To
africann at afrinic.net
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Subject
[AfrICANN-discuss] Questions on new gTLDs process at ICANN?

Here is a FAQ available at:
http://www.icann.org/topics/new-gtld-strategy-faq.htm  -- Please share 
with  others. 

New gTLDs — Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated 8 May 2007
1. What is a gTLD? 
gTLD stands for generic top-level domain. gTLDs are part of the structure 
of the Internet's domain-name system (DNS). Each of the generic TLDs was 
created for a general category of organizations (see RFC 1591). Examples 
of gTLDs are .EDU, .JOBS, and .COM. A complete list of existing gTLDs is 
available at http://www.iana.org/gtld/gtld.htm.   The responsibility for 
operating each gTLD (including maintaining a registry of the domain names 
within the gTLD) is delegated to a particular organization. These 
organizations are referred to as "registry operators" or "sponsors." 
ccTLDs (country-code top-level domains) are also part of the DNS 
structure. ccTLDs are top-level domains which have been established for 
over 240 countries and territories (for example, .ZA, .AU, .FR). A listing 
of existing ccTLDs is available at 
http://www.iana.org/root-whois/index.html. 
2. How are gTLDs established? 
New gTLDs have previously been established based on proposals that were 
submitted to ICANN during specific application periods. Materials from the 
previous application processes are available at 
http://www.icann.org/tlds/app-index.htm (2000) and 
http://www.icann.org/tlds/stld-apps-19mar04/ (2003-4). Applications 
received during these rounds were evaluated against previously-published 
criteria, and those applicants who were successful went on to sign TLD 
Registry Agreements with ICANN. 
3. How do I apply for a new gTLD? 
There is no gTLD application process open at this time, but work is 
underway to lead to announcement of a new gTLD application round. A policy 
development process (see below) is in progress with the aim of creating a 
standing policy that will guide future introduction of new gTLDs. You can 
find more information on this process at 
http://www.icann.org/topics/gtld-strategy-area.html. When this process is 
complete and a policy has been adopted, ICANN will be able to initiate a 
new gTLD application process. 
4. When will I be able to apply for a new gTLD and how long does the 
process take? 
No dates for a new gTLD application process have been established at this 
time. The time frame for this is dependent on the outcome of the policy 
development process mentioned above. There will be an extended period of 
outreach and information sharing prior to any new round to ensure that 
potential applicants have all the information they need. 
Detailed application information will be published prior to the 
application round opening, and timeframes for the application process will 
be available at that time. 
5. How will gTLD applications be assessed? 
A detailed request for proposal (RFP) will be published prior to 
commencement of any application period. The RFP will provide complete 
applicant and string criteria requirements, and applications will be 
assessed against these published criteria. See also the GNSO's policy 
development documents for background on draft recommendations in regard to 
criteria. 
6. I have an idea for a new gTLD. Can I register my idea with ICANN in 
advance of the next application period? 
No. ICANN will accept submissions only during an open application period. 
7. How much is the application fee? 
The application fee will be published as part of the RFP. The RFP is 
currently in development and thus fee information is not yet available. As 
a general guide, the fee will be set at a level which enables the full 
recovery of costs associated with running the application process. 
8. Does this application process cover new ccTLDs also? 
No. Information on procedures for establishing ccTLDs is available at 
http://www.iana.org/cctld/cctld-establishment-procedures-19mar03.htm. 
However, anyone, including ccTLD operators, may apply to operate a new 
gTLD. 
9. Can applicants who were not selected in previous rounds re-apply in 
future rounds? 
Yes. 
10. Will applicants who participated in the previous gTLD application 
processes receive special treatment in future rounds? 
No. All applications submitted will receive the same level of scrutiny. 
See also 
http://www.icann.org/correspondence/schwartz-to-hemphill-24jan07.pdf. 
11. Will applicants operating alternate root systems be given preferential 
treatment in future rounds? 
No. All applicants in a potential future application process would be 
equally eligible for a particular TLD string. ICANN is committed to a 
single, authoritative public root for the DNS and to the management of 
that unique root in the public interest according to policies developed 
through community processes. Please see ICP-3 for a detailed statement of 
ICANN's position on alternate roots. 
12. How does the policy development process work? 
The Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) is responsible for 
creating policy applicable to gTLDs. The GNSO's constituencies and Council 
members work to arrive at consensus policy recommendations which, if 
adopted by the GNSO Council, are passed on to the ICANN Board of 
Directors. If approved by the Board, the policy is adopted and implemented 
by staff. 
The GNSO Policy Development Process (PDP) is formally defined in the ICANN 
Bylaws (see http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#AnnexA). 
13. How can I participate in the policy development process? 
The GNSO contains six constituencies. To get involved in one of these 
groups, see the links below or http://gnso.icann.org. 
Commercial & Business 
gTLD Registries 
Internet Service & Connection Providers 
Non-Commercial 
Registrars 
Intellectual Property
Other groups within the ICANN community also provide input into the GNSO's 
process from specific perspectives, including those of individual users, 
governments, and technical experts. See http://www.icann.org/structure/ 
for additional information on ICANN's structure. 
Additionally, the GNSO frequently requests general input and submissions 
from the community as part of its deliberations. For more information, see 
http://gnso.icann.org/issues/new-gtlds/. 
14. How can I get updates on the GNSO policy development process? 
The GNSO's page on new gTLDs is at http://gnso.icann.org/issues/new-gtlds/
. You can also sign up for general ICANN updates at 
http://www.icann.org/communications/newsletter.html. 
15. What is the process for submitting questions about new gTLDs? 
ICANN encourages community inquiries on the gTLD process and questions may 
be sent to newgtld at icann.org. Questions and answers will be posted to this 
FAQ, which can be viewed at 
http://www.icann.org/topics/new-gtld-strategy-faq.htm. 
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