[AfrICANN-discuss] [***SPAM***] New gTLDs Update: Applications Accepted Today; New Guidebook Posted; Financial Assistance for Qualifying Applicants

[Anne-Rachel Inné]

New gTLDs Update: Applications Accepted Today; New Guidebook Posted;
Financial Assistance for Qualifying Applicants

11 January 2012

After more than seven years of planning, the Internet Corporation for
Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has initiated a process that could
trigger a dramatic expansion of the Internet.

Starting today, ICANN begins accepting applications for new generic
top-level domains (gTLDs).  The world of .com, .gov, .org and 19 other
gTLDs will soon be expanded to include all types of words in many different
languages. For the first time generic TLDs can include words in non-Latin
languages, such as Cyrillic, Chinese or Arabic.

*Applicants will use the TLD Application System (TAS) to submit their
application, in which they answer the 50 questions detailed in the
Applicant Guidebook.  Links to register in TAS are provided on the **ICANN
New gTLD page* <http://newgtlds.icann.org/>*.*

*12 January:
29 March:
12 April:
*

*ICANN begins accepting applications
The last day to register in TAS
Final day ICANN accepts applications
*

An updated version of the Applicant Guidebook was posted with the opening
of the application window. The updated version incorporates clarifications
made through responses previously published by the gTLD customer service
center. Main points of clarification are on topics such as batching,
background screening, the applicant support program, Continued Operations
Instrument, GAC advice processes, and the registry code of conduct.
Additional information and answers to previously asked questions can be
found in the Program's Supplemental Notes. These materials are not intended
to introduce new requirements or criteria. Links to both the Applicant
Guidebook and the Supplemental Notes can be found at the ICANN New
gTLD page<http://newgtlds.icann.org/>
.

Also available now are changes to the Applicant Support Program: limited
financial assistance is offered to qualifying applicants. Through this
program, applicants, especially from developing economies, have access to
financial assistance in the form of an evaluation fee reduction and other
in-kind or community pro bono services. The financial assistance element of
the program will allow a limited number of qualifying applicants to pay a
US $47,000 evaluation fee instead of the full USD $185,000. This fee
reduction has been made possible because ICANN's Board of Directors has
dedicated USD $2,000,000 to the program. This is a seed fund to which other
organizations can donate. In response to public comment, the draft program
has been updated to increase availability of refunds, make the program
available to certain trademark owners, and broaden the scope for those
seeking to serve the public interest. More information on the Applicant
Support program can be found on the ICANN New gTLD
page<http://newgtlds.icann.org/>
.

ICANN encourages all interested parties, whether applicants or observers,
to refer to the New gTLD section of ICANN's website for authoritative
documents, helpful resources, and latest developments. The New gTLD site is
found at http://newgtlds.icann.org.
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