Comments Regarding Expressions of Interest Process

[suresh hiremath Castellan Ltd <suresh@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear ICANN,

I would like to state my comments for the current Expressions of Interest 
("EOI") process, and appreciate the opportunity to make my views heard.

OVERALL SUPPORT OR NON-SUPPORT FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
I support Expressions of Interest I support the release of new TLDs for cities 
in India as they have a beneficial effect for the businesses and people of that 
city .The introduction of TLds raises the profile of the city and stimulates 
business within it by making it easy for people to search and contact any 
business or individual in that city. 

SUBMISSION FEE
There is discussion about the $55,000 (USD) submission fee.   I support a high 
fee to discourage gaming.  I think $55k is fair

MANDATORY NATURE OF EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
There is also a question about whether Expressions of Interest should be 
mandatory for those applying for a new TLD.  New TLD applicants should be 
required to submit an EOI.  

REFUNDS
The current EOI model will provide refunds of the submission fee only in 
extraordinary circumstances, or unless ICANN is unable to accept new TLD 
applications by a particular date.  No refunds unless ICANN fails to produce 
new TLDs by 2011.  I think refunds should not be permitted to prevent spurious 
bids

COMMUNICATION PERIOD
ICANN's draft EOI model contemplates a four-month communication period prior to 
accepting EOI submissions. Four months is too long for the communications plan. 
 

PUBLICATION OF DATA
Finally, there is a question about whether data collected from EOIs should be 
made public. ICANN should publish all strings and applicants.  

OTHER COMMENTS
  

Signed,
suresh hiremath 
Castellan Ltd
suresh@xxxxxxxxxxxx

[This comment comes via the ICANN comment form found at 
http://www.mindsandmachines.com/2010/01/let-icann-know-your-position-on-expressions-of-interest.
  This form provides brief descriptions of the issues and allows easy comment 
on the Expressions of Interest process.]