[stld-rfp-mobi] Breaking up the Value Chain

["David Shaw" <davidtshaw@xxxxxxxxx>]

The .mobi application fails to present a compelling case for the need of a mobile 
specific TLD. The sole rationale of the applicant hinges on the existence of 1.5 
billion mobile devices.
 
The applicant is implicitly saying that because mobile devices have a small screen 
format they differ from traditional large screen PCs and therefore a new string is 
vital because the .com TLD cannot fulfill its need.
 
Even if one accepts this weak argument, despite the new technologies that will 
automatically repurpose and reformat existing content available on the Internet today 
for mobile users, the question remains as to why the applicant wants to drastically 
change the value chain that was so critical to the success of the.com TLD.
 
If the difference between .mobi and .com is only justified by the size of the screen 
why not respect the value chain that was so important to the success of .com?
 
The whole Internet model has been built, under ICANN's stewardship, on principles that 
exclude barriers to entry and provide equal access and low costs to the end users. This 
has been achieved through a clear Registry-Registrars value chain regulated by ICANN 
that has proven very effective over time.
 
This should be a source of concern for ICANN. 



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