[gnso-vi-feb10] VI -- alternative thinking

[Ching Chiao <chiao@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear all,

Am assuming this is a proper time to pitch ideas....so I'd like to do so on
my personal capacity. Am not trying to define /  resolve anything here but
simply provide a different way to look at things.

The main concept is to examine a registrar -- NOT from the volume
perspective -- # of domain names registered / sponsored, but from number of
TLD "products" a registrar carries at the storefront. Given ICANN's ultimate
goal is to promote choice and to increase competition, so the baseline is to
encourage a registrar to carry as many TLD "products" as possible,
regardless of volume. Another registrar / registry may wish to create unique
sales experience on particular string (as discussed, a brand / TM TLD
perhaps), or, say a registrar would like to simply focus on a selected group
of geoTLDs + ccTLDs, then the following criteria may be set:

-- Regular / scenario-1 would be for a registrar carries more than 60% of
available gTLDs approved by ICANN
-- Scenario-2 would be for a registrar carries less than 60% but greater
than 40% of available gTLDs
-- Scenario-3 would be for a registrar carries less than 40% of available
gTLDs
-- Restricted / scenario-4 would be for a registrar carries only 1 TLDs

The 60% / 40% value is taken from previous discussion on US / EU definition
on market power (correct me if I am wrong), and could be other values which
makes more sense.

And this is how the structure works:

Scenario 1: is where we are now and people are comfortable with what's been
done. Both registry and registrar pay a certain, agreed ICANN fee.

Scenario 3 / 4: Registrars fall into these two categories would have to pay
extra "Tax" per domain (under the choice and competition spirit /
requirement) or a special license fee. Registry would have to pay extra fee
too if selling through such channel. Tax on scenario 4 shall be even higher
than 3. The extra tax / collection of fund will be utilized by ICANN to
promote / education new gTLD market place, TLD acceptance, ensure quality /
timely of contractual / compliance service, etc.

Scenario 2: provides a buffer zone but registrar / registry will be on a
"watch-list". If a registrar / registry fall into this category more than a
period of time, it will have to decide whether to move up to 1 or start
paying extra tax as 3 or 4.

By putting these scenario into action, various combination of registry +
registrar business model would appear, in order to maximize profit or volume
of registration. The approach can also build a healthier eco-system for
ICANN -- if we continue to trust the system.

IMHO the analysis / debate on market power based simply on domain
registration volume, or the magic "15%", may not represent the full picture
of businesses we are / will be in. Perhaps this approach could serve as a
transitional mechanism before going to full liberalization.

Let me stop here now, and your comments / suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks!

Regards,

Ching Chiao






-- 
Ching Chiao 喬敬
Vice President
DotAsia Organisation Ltd.
http://www.registry.asia

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