Evaluation fee concerns

["Alexey Mykhaylov" <alexey@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I would like to comment on the $185,000 fee evaluation fee described in item
1.5.1. While this is probably not an unreasonable fee for new gTLDs intended
for the global marketplace (usually in English) or for applicants from large
developed countries, in many cases such cost would be prohibitive for IDN
applicants from smaller countries, where the potential user base (people who
speak the particular language) is limited to several million people or for
developing countries with less internet penetration. A situation could be
created where it simply does not make economical sense to launch in certain
markets that otherwise could benefit from new gTLDs. Understanding that the
price could be decreased in future, which by itself creates unleveled
playing field for local companies and global players with larger cash
reserves or better access to credit, who could be the first to apply, it
might be appropriate to come up with alternative pricing models or reduced
fee for certain countries that would make it easier for local companies to
participate in the process.