Verisign is attempting to leverage its existing monopoly in the com/net/org registry
to extend it over expiring domain namess, at the expense of consumers and competitors
who are getting along just fine without Verisign. They're attempting to push through
the WLS despite overwhelming opposition and no consensus process (they decided they
didn't need consensus when the votes were counted and they lost). It will be an
important test of ICANN, if they have the integrity to oppose this blatant cash grab
and anti-competitive behaviour by Verisign and its partners. If ICANN approves things,
the Department of Justice and the FTC will need to investigate this matter. Full
text to the Verisign documents are in the link below.
What's most ludicrous is
that Verisign won't even go for a proper sunrise/landrush procedure, but instead
are favouring their own partners at the expense of everyone else! It's not enough
to kill all their competitors, but they want to keep the playing field uneven when
the new regime kicks in -- that's not "first come, first serve", by a long shot.
Sincerely,
George
Kirikos
http://www.kirikos.com/