[soac-newgtldapsup-wg] Text for background issue

[Elaine Pruis <elaine@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Text for consideration (typed on my phone, so don't be shy about editing or 
adding please)

"The WG formed in order to address stakeholder concerns that there are 
requirements of the new gTLD program that could deter potential applicants who 
might benefit from the program.

The new gTLD program will expand choice and create opportunities for innovation 
and new services to users.    ICANN strives to be an inclusive organization, 
inviting participants from all nations, regardless of experience and resources. 
 Yet  there are barriers to entry for many potential applicants. Numerous 
stakeholders have identified several barriers for potential applicants: the 
financial, technical, and administrative requirements could be beyond the scope 
of all but the most experienced and richest.  

One of the new gTLD programs principles is cost recovery through application 
fees.  The hundreds of thousands of dollars required for application and 
on-going costs might not be available to applicants in developing countries, 
who would benefit from increased choice and presence on the Internet.

Some of the technical requirements may be untenable, for example IPV6 and 
DNSSEC are not even fully implemented in the richest and most connected nations.

Finally, the administrative burden of deciphering the applicant guidebook, and 
writing a coherent application that will be scored based on merit could exclude 
some non-English speaking applicants.

These barriers and several more are identified and considered by the working 
group in striving to meet the Board's request for recommending methods of 
support for applicants."

Elaine