RE: [gtld-council] PDP05 - renewals

["Bruce Tonkin" <Bruce.Tonkin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello Marilyn,

> 
> However, I have a question to ask Bruce. Your post seems to 
> suggest that we are able to keep the discussions related to 
> p0licies for PDP 06/existing registries distinct from new 
> gTLDs. 


I don't think they should be "distinct", just as I don't think IDN-gTLDs
should be treated significantly differently from other gTLDS.   I would
hope that the PDP-Feb06 work would take into account the work that has
been done within PDP-Dec05 on this topic.

I do think that the current framework being discussed for new gTLDs is
reasonable, but with respect to some of the existing registries it may
be that some special considerations are necessary for a TLD that is
considered to have substantial market power.  In the telecommunication
world there are often special considerations that apply to the original
telco that was in some cases established with substantial Government
support (e.g Telstra in Australia), and was protected from competition
for many years.   

Note however that in an environment where most of the larger existing
registries have contracts with strong contractual protections for the
registry operator, the ability for the ICANN Board to influence this
area, based on a recommendation from the GNSO, would only come if an
existing registry had its contract terminated (which is unlikely).

Regards,
Bruce Tonkin