Re: [soac-newgtldapsup-wg] New JAS WG members - welcome!

[Richard Tindal <richardtindal@xxxxxx>]

Thanks Alice.      For me one of the most difficult GAC requests to satisfy is 
their 10.1

> 10.1
> 
> Main issues
> 
> 1. Cost Considerations
> 
> Set technical and other requirements, including cost considerations, at a 
> reasonable and proportionate level in order not to exclude stakeholders from 
> developing countries from participating in the new gTLD process.
> 

A primary reason the Application Fee is high ($185K) is that the Applicant 
Guidebook (AG)  has been crammed full of checks, reviews, studies, protections, 
certifications, security levels, operating requirements,  etc, etc.      At the 
request of many parties,  including the GAC and IPC,  selection of a Registry 
operator now involves an enormous number of steps and operating a TLD is now 
quite expensive due to the many security, trademark and consumer protections 
required.       I am surprised the $185K (set in 2009) has not increased as 
more and more requirements are loaded into the AG.

I dont think the GAC is asking for a reduction in any of these requirements, in 
fact their February Scorecard asks for more, so I interpret 10.1 as requesting 
a fee discount for needy applicants (from developing countries) rather than a 
lowering of other requirements for those applicants.

I'm not opposed to a fee discount, we just have to determine who qualifies and 
where the money comes from.  

Richard 


On Mar 24, 2011, at 12:34 PM, Alice Munyua wrote:

> Dear  Tracy and all
> 
> Thank you. 
> 
> I would to add that the GAC will be providing an updated position/advice on 
> the score card as discussed on the Thursday meeting, which we shall share 
> soon.
> 
> best regards
> 
> Alice
> 
> 
>> Hello Colleagues,
>> 
>>   
>> In trying to complete the loop on the GAC Advice and comments thus far on 
>> the issue “Providing Opportunities for all Stakeholders including Developing 
>> Countries”, here is an extract from the GAC-Board Consultations held on the 
>> morning of Tuesday 15th March, 2011 including the Board’s Topic Lead 
>> response to the GAC comments.
>> 
>>   
>> >>HEATHER DRYDEN:   Yes.  So let's celebrate that and move on.
>> 
>> Excellent.  Okay.  Thank you, Germany. 
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  So next we have providing opportunities for all stakeholders where
>> 
>> I believe Kenya is the lead.  And, if we can deal with this, then I
>> 
>> propose that we not address root zone scaling, unless the Netherlands
>> 
>> sees a particular need in this session.  No.  Okay.  And then we'll
>> 
>> just give a status update from our side on intellectual property.
>> 
>> And you can do the same as well as a board.  And we can work out the
>> 
>> next steps.  So I don't anticipate that being a substantive exchange
>> 
>> but more of a status update.  Okay.  So providing opportunities.
>> 
>> Alice, Kenya.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  >>KENYA:   Thank you, Heather.  After the Brussels meeting ICANN's
>> 
>> response or the board's response on the issue of cost considerations
>> 
>> was that we're waiting for the JAS working group report and that the
>> 
>> board was going -- we were going to be provided a deadline for this
>> 
>> work.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  And our response is that we really do welcome the commitment of the
>> 
>> board towards implementing the necessary mechanisms and ensuring
>> 
>> that, truly, this process is inclusive taking into consideration
>> 
>> developing country needs.  What we'd appreciate is clarity from ICANN
>> 
>> and whether the cost considerations are really going to be
>> 
>> considered.  And, more importantly, that the final report proposed
>> 
>> very sound mechanisms for sustainable implementation for cost
>> 
>> considerations.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  So that's one.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  The second one was on -- that we share the same concerns regarding
>> 
>> the challenges that the board expressed in terms of how do you define
>> 
>> a needy applicant.  And in this case we're asking that the JAS team
>> 
>> really considers that in terms of providing a mechanism but also
>> 
>> welcome input from the community, the ICANN community at large.  On
>> 
>> language diversity, here we welcome the -- the concurrence of views
>> 
>> between GAC and the board on language diversity and also recommend
>> 
>> that any outreach and communication strategies on new gTLDs are
>> 
>> developed with this in mind, the language diversity issue.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  On technical and logistic support, GAC welcomes the provision.  But
>> 
>> we also request further clarity on what is meant by set mechanisms
>> 
>> for technical and logistical support that ICANN has agreed to support.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  I think that's about it on developing countries.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  >>HEATHER DRYDEN:   Thank you very much, Kenya.  Did Katim or
>> 
>> others wish to comment?  Otherwise, you have a summary of points and
>> 
>> questions from the GAC at this stage. 
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  Katim, please.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>  >>KATIM TOURAY:   Heather and Alice, just to say very much, I think
>> 
>> it's wonderful to hear the very -- what I consider -- well, not quite
>> 
>> resounding but still a very strong approval of the -- you know, of
>> 
>> the effort that's been made by the board.  And I think I would be
>> 
>> speaking well if I say that this is very highly appreciated by, you
>> 
>> know, my colleagues.  And we're certainly looking forward to working
>> 
>> with you and the community to ensure that we implement something that
>> 
>> we can all be proud of.  Again, thanks.
>> 
>>   
>> Kindest Regards,
>> 
>>   
>> TRACY F. HACKSHAW (Mr.)
>> 
>> Chief Solution Architect
>> 
>> National ICT Company Limited (iGovTT)
>> 
>> Lord Harris Court, 52 Pembroke Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad, W.I.
>> 
>>   
>> *(1) hackshawt@xxxxxx
>> 
>> *(2) tracyhackshaw@xxxxxxxxx
>> 
>> ( (868) 627 - 5600 x 3202
>> 
>> <Mail Attachment.jpeg> (868) 678 - 8710 
>> 
>> y (868) 624- 8001
>> 
>> <Mail Attachment.gif> tracyhackshaw@xxxxxxxxxxx
>> 
>> <Mail Attachment.jpeg> tracyhackshaw@xxxxxxxxx
>> <Mail Attachment.jpeg> hackshawt
>> 
>> : www.fastforward.tt / www.igovtt.tt
>> 
>>   
>> <Mail Attachment.jpeg>
>> 
>>   
>> From: Tracy Hackshaw 
>> Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2011 5:40 PM
>> To: 'Rafik Dammak'; Karla Valente
>> Cc: SOAC-newgtldapsup-wg@xxxxxxxxx; admin@xxxxxxxxxxx; alice@xxxxxxx; 
>> rudi.vasnick@xxxxxxx; silber.mike@xxxxxxxxx; fouadbajwa@xxxxxxxxx
>> Subject: RE: [soac-newgtldapsup-wg] New JAS WG members - welcome!
>> 
>>   
>> Hello everyone,
>> 
>>   
>> Thanks for the introductions and the warm welcome to the list ..
>> 
>>   
>> Imminently, the GAC will be finalzing and publishing its written comments on 
>> the ICANN Board’s response to the GAC Scorecard factoring in the Board/GAC 
>> San Francisco consultations.
>> 
>>   
>> Contained within these comments will be some specific statements relating to 
>> the issue of consideration for developing and less developed countries, as 
>> well as a broad proposal for fee reductions …  but until that time, and to 
>> put everyone on the same page with respect to the GAC’s position (and the 
>> Board’s responses) it might be prudent to reproduce the relevant advice 
>> contained with the San Francisco Communique:
>> 
>>   
>> Following the Board’s receipt of the GAC written comments, the GAC looks 
>> forward to reviewing a revised Applicant Guidebook that indicates, via track 
>> changes, how the GAC’s advice has been taken into account.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> In addition to the ongoing work of the JAS, the GAC looks forward to 
>> developing country issues treated in the Scorecard being fully taken into 
>> account in the next Applicant Guidebook.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> The GAC intends to continue its efforts to assist ICANN in ensuring that the 
>> final implementation program for the introduction of the new gTLDs 
>> represents true community consensus.
>> 
>>   
>> And further,
>> 
>>   
>> The elements of the Board’s Response to the GAC Scorecard statements on the 
>> issue (the source of which can be found at 
>> http://www.icann.org/correspondence/dengate-thrush-to-dryden-05mar11-en.pdf) 
>> … again, it is to be noted that the GAC’s written comments re: the Board’s 
>> response is forthcoming very shortly … and will provide the most recent 
>> position of the GAC taking into consideration the Board’s response on the 
>> issues as outlined below as well as the San Francisco consultations.
>> 
>>   
>>  
>> Item #
>> 
>> GAC Scorecard Actionable Item
>> 
>> Position
>> 
>> Notes
>> 
>>  
>> 10.
>> 
>> Providing opportunities for all stakeholders including those from developing 
>> countries
>> 
>>  
>> 10.1
>> 
>> Main issues
>> 
>> 1. Cost Considerations
>> 
>> Set technical and other requirements, including cost considerations, at a 
>> reasonable and proportionate level in order not to exclude stakeholders from 
>> developing countries from participating in the new gTLD process.
>> 
>>   
>> TBD
>> 
>> ICANN’s Board recognized the importance of an inclusive New gTLD Program and 
>> issued a Resolution forming a Joint Working Group (JAS WG) which is 
>> underway. ICANN would like to receive the report of the JAS WG as soon as 
>> possible. JAS WG is requested to provide a possible deadline for his work 
>> during the ICANN meeting in SFO allowing the Board to act.
>> 
>>   
>> It is noted that one of the challenges in developing support mechanisms for 
>> applicants is to ensure that such support is actually received by those 
>> applicants with the most need, rather than being used advantageously by 
>> other participants.  This issue has also been taken into account in the work 
>> of the JAS WG.
>> 
>>   
>> The minimum technical requirements for operating a registry are expected to 
>> be consistent across applications.
>> 
>> 10.2.1
>> 
>> 2. Language diversity
>> 
>> Key documents produced by ICANN must be available in all UN languages within 
>> a reasonable period in advance of the launch of the gTLD round.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> 1A
>> 
>> Some documents are already available in the 6 UN languages. The Final 
>> Application Guidebook will be also in due course, and the web site will be 
>> organize to find easily all the documents available in each language.
>> 
>> 10.2.2
>> 
>> The GAC strongly recommends that the communications strategy for the new 
>> gTLD round be developed with this issue of inclusiveness as a key priority.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> 1A
>> 
>>   
>> 10.3
>> 
>> 3. Technical and logistics support
>> 
>> 1B
>> 
>> ICANN has agreed to provide certain mechanisms for technical and logistical 
>> support, such as assisting with matching needs to providers. ICANN is also 
>> considering setting up regional help desks to provide more responsive and 
>> relevant technical support to new gTLD applicants in developing countries.
>> 
>>   
>> 10.4
>> 
>> 4. Outreach – as per Joint AC/SO recommendations
>> 
>> 1A
>> 
>>   
>> 10.5
>> 
>> 5. Joint AC/SO Working Group on support for new gTLD applicants.
>> 
>> GAC urged ICANN to adopt recommendations of the Joint AC/SO Working Group.
>> 
>>   
>>  
>> 
>> TBD
>> 
>> This item from the GAC Scorecard appears to reflect the interim report of 
>> the JAS WG. ICANN is awaiting their final report. (ICANN would like to 
>> receive the report of the JAS WG as soon as possible.)
>> 
>> 10.6
>> 
>> 6. Applications from Governments or National authorities (especially 
>> municipal councils and provincial authorities) – special consideration for 
>> applications from developing countries
>> 
>> The GAC commented that the new gTLD process should meet the global public 
>> interest consistent with the Affirmation of Commitments. It therefore urged 
>> ICANN to set technical and other requirements, including cost 
>> considerations, at a reasonable and proportionate level in order not to 
>> exclude developing country stakeholders from participating in the new 
>> gTLD-process. Key documents should be available in all UN languages. The GAC 
>> urges that the communications and outreach strategy for the new gTLD round 
>> be developed with this issue of inclusiveness as a key priority.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> ii. Nairobi Communiqué
>> 
>> The GAC believed that instead of the then proposal of single-fee 
>> requirement, a cost-based structure of fees appropriate to
>> 
>> each category of TLD would:
>> 
>> a) prevent cross subsidization and
>> 
>> b) better reflect the project scale,
>> 
>> This would improve logistical requirements and financial position of local 
>> community and developing country stakeholders who should not be 
>> disenfranchised from the new TLD round.
>> 
>> Further the board believes that :
>> 
>> a. New gTLD process is developed on a cost recovery model.
>> 
>> b. Experience gained from first round will inform decisions on fee levels, 
>> and the scope for discounts and subsidies in
>> 
>> subsequent rounds.
>> 
>> c. Non-financial means of support are being made available to deserving 
>> cases.
>> 
>> i. Proposed that the following be entertained to achieve cost reduction:
>> 
>> ·        Waiving the cost of Program Development ($26k).
>> 
>> ·        Waiving the Risk/Contingency cost ($60k).
>> 
>> ·        Lowering the application cost ($100k)
>> 
>> ·        Waiving the Registry fixed fees ($25k per calendar year), and 
>> charge the Registry- Level Transaction Fee only ($0.25 per domain name 
>> registration or renewal).
>> 
>> ii. Proposed that the reduced cost be paid incrementally, which will give 
>> the applicants/communities from developing countries more time to raise 
>> money, and investors will be more encouraged to fund an application that 
>> passes the initial evaluation.
>> 
>> iii. Believe that communities from developing countries apply for new gTLDs 
>> according to an appropriate business model taking into consideration the 
>> realities of their regions. ICANN’s commitment towards supporting gTLD 
>> applicants in communities from developing countries will be a milestone to 
>> the development of the overall Internet community in Africa and other 
>> developing regions.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> TBD
>> 
>> This set of issues overlaps with and is addressed in the other items in this 
>> section.
>> 
>> 10.7
>> 
>> A. Other Developing world Community comments
>> 
>> Rolling out new gTLD and IDNs was done in a hurry and without basis on a 
>> careful feasibility study on the impact that this rollout will have on 
>> developing countries. For some representatives, this is a massive roll out 
>> of gTLDs and IDNs that will find many developing countries unprepared and 
>> unable to absorb it. There is the fear that there might be serious 
>> consequence in terms of economic impact to developing countries.
>> 
>>  
>> 
>> 1B
>> 
>> ICANN is investigating and intends to provide mechanisms for assisting with 
>> matching needs to providers, and will continue to investigate mechanisms for 
>> providing additional forms of support (such as providing documents in 
>> additional languages beyond the official U.N. languages). 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>   
>>   
>> Kindest Regards,
>> 
>>   
>> TRACY F. HACKSHAW (Mr.)
>> 
>> Chief Solution Architect
>> 
>> National ICT Company Limited (iGovTT)
>> 
>> Lord Harris Court, 52 Pembroke Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad, W.I.
>> 
>>   
>> *(1) hackshawt@xxxxxx
>> 
>> *(2) tracyhackshaw@xxxxxxxxx
>> 
>> ( (868) 627 - 5600 x 3202
>> 
>> <Mail Attachment.jpeg> (868) 678 - 8710 
>> 
>> y (868) 624- 8001
>> 
>> <Mail Attachment.gif> tracyhackshaw@xxxxxxxxxxx
>> 
>> <Mail Attachment.jpeg> tracyhackshaw@xxxxxxxxx
>> <Mail Attachment.jpeg> hackshawt
>> 
>> : www.fastforward.tt / www.igovtt.tt
>> 
>>   
>> <Mail Attachment.jpeg>
>> 
>>   
>> From: Rafik Dammak [mailto:rafik.dammak@xxxxxxxxx] 
>> Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2011 5:05 PM
>> To: Karla Valente
>> Cc: SOAC-newgtldapsup-wg@xxxxxxxxx; admin@xxxxxxxxxxx; Tracy Hackshaw; 
>> alice@xxxxxxx; rudi.vasnick@xxxxxxx; silber.mike@xxxxxxxxx; 
>> fouadbajwa@xxxxxxxxx
>> Subject: Re: [soac-newgtldapsup-wg] New JAS WG members - welcome!
>> 
>>   
>> Hello,
>> 
>>   
>> Thanks Karla for the email and introducing new members.
>> 
>> as mentioned the WG has two calls per week, we have tight timeline and lot 
>> of expectations from the community. I remind everybody to discuss in the 
>> list and update the wiki. 
>> 
>> Cintra has already some suggestions that we can discuss in prior to Friday 
>> call.
>> 
>>   
>> Regards
>> 
>> 
>> Rafik 
>> 
>>   
>> 2011/3/23 Karla Valente <karla.valente@xxxxxxxxx>
>> 
>> Dear New Members:
>> 
>>   
>> Welcome to the JAS WG. You have need added to the mailing list - 
>> SOAC-newgtldapsup-wg@xxxxxxxxx . Please make sure it is working and, if not, 
>> let me know.  
>> 
>>   
>> Here is the list of new members I have. If I missed anyone, please let me 
>> know.
>> 
>>   
>> 1.       Fouad Bajwa (fouadbajwa@xxxxxxxxx)
>> 
>> 2.       Mike Silber  (silber.mike@xxxxxxxxx)
>> 
>> 3.       Rudi Vasnick (rudi.vasnick@xxxxxxx)
>> 
>> 4.       Alice Munya (alice@xxxxxxx)
>> 
>> 5.       Tracy Hackshaw (hackshawt@xxxxxx)
>> 
>> 6.       Dev Anand Teelucksingh (admin@xxxxxxxxxxx)
>> 
>>   
>> Questions from new members:
>> 
>> In the past, we have asked few questions from members of the group. These 
>> questions are usually part of our reports (for example, the addenda 
>> published with the Milestone Report). Attached is a form with the questions. 
>> I’d appreciate if you could fill in the form or send me the answers via 
>> e-mail, so I can update the membership list.
>> 
>>   
>> Here is a list of key resources for you . It would be great if you could 
>> review the materials before we resume our meetings.
>> 
>>   
>> 1.       Wiki: 
>> https://community.icann.org/display/jaswg/SO-AC+New+gTLD+Applicant+Support+Working+Group+%28JAS-WG%29
>> 
>>   
>> I requested you are added to the wiki and this should be done this week. 
>> Please look for an e-mail from Naveed .
>> 
>> As you probably already know, the WG has been divided into subgroups and you 
>> may want to be part of one of more of these groups.
>> 
>>   
>> 2.       Original Milestone Report announcement and publication: 
>> http://icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-11nov10-en.htm
>> 
>>   
>>   
>> When do we meet?
>> 
>> We usually meet twice a week (Tuesday and Friday). We will send an e-mail 
>> with the Adobe connect details and call numbers. If you need to be called by 
>> an operator, let us (Gisella, Glen and me) know in advance.
>> 
>>   
>>   
>>   
>> Thank you,
>> 
>>   
>> Karla Valente
>> 
>> Director, gTLD Registry Programs
>> 
>> Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) 
>> 
>> Direct:  + 1 310 301 3878  
>> 
>> Mobile:  +1 310 936 4639 
>> 
>> Skype: kdlvalente
>> 
>>   
>>   
>> 
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