Registrar Stakeholder Group Comments - Vertical Integration Initial Report

["Clarke D. Walton" <clarke.walton@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

BACKGROUND

The Registrar Stakeholder Group ("RrSG") is providing comments regarding the 
Initial Report on Vertical Integration Between Registrars and Registries ("VI 
Initial Report").  This position paper captures the overall sentiment expressed 
by the RrSG members who provided feedback about this matter.  Due to time 
constraints, however, no formal vote regarding this position paper was taken.

RrSG POSITION

The RrSG appreciates the effort of the Vertical Integration Working Group ("VI 
WG") and respects the VI WG's commitment to evaluating the proposed solutions 
regarding vertical integration between registrars and registries for New TLDs.

The RrSG recognizes the importance of resolving the vertical integration 
question in a manner that not only considers the interests of ICANN 
stakeholders but also balances those interests with the interests of consumers 
and the public.  Members from the RrSG, however, have participated in the 
debate regarding registrar-registry separation for New TLDs for more than two 
years.  This extended period of time negatively impacts consumer and public 
interests as the introduction of New TLDs is continually and indeterminately 
delayed.

ICANN should move forward by evaluating the VI WG's proposed solutions and the 
related community comments then ICANN should quickly, positively and firmly 
decide on a resolution to the question of vertical integration between 
registrars and registries, as such would inure to the benefit of consumers and 
the public interest.

CONCLUSION

The opinions expressed by the RrSG in this position paper should not be 
interpreted to reflect the individual opinion of any particular RrSG member.