ICANN ‘still consulting on gTLD regime’

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is continuing to work towards ensuring the participation of developing economies in the new top level generic domain name (gTLDs) regime.

ICANN is seeking public comment to help shape the Joint Applicant Support final report, which is due to be published in December 2011.

The body is seeking feedback on how ICANN can help stakeholders in the developing world take advantage of gTLDs.

For some potential applicants, the $185,000 fee required by ICANN to activate the registration process may be seen as prohibitive.

The report is designed to offer recommendations on how ICANN should develop a sustainable approach to providing support to applicants from developing economies requiring assistance in applying for and operating new gTLDs registries.

It proposes initial criteria for qualification as well as several other types of support for ICANN to consider.

The initial gTLD application period commences on January 12, 2012 and will run for three months.