Comments on Module One of New gTLD Applicant Guidebook

[Naveed ul Haq <naveed@xxxxxxxxxx>]

<FONT face="Default Sans Serif,Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif" 
size=2><div><br>Dear Sir,<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; First of all i would like 
to appreciate the efforts of ICANN for promoting public participation by means 
of public meetings and online resources. I was part of the recent 33rd Public 
Meeting through ICANN's fellowship programme. This was my first ICANN meeting 
and it really has boosted my professional knowledge. Moreover, this meeting has 
given me an opportunity to discuss and share ICANN processes with my local 
Internet and general community. I would like to submit my comments on 
sub-module 1.5 of module 1 which covers the "Fee and Payments" details for new 
gTLDs.<br><br>&nbsp;"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I believe that opening of unlimited 
numbers of new gTLDs will provide an immense opportunity to every stakeholder 
and community around the world for establishing an <span style="font-weight: 
bold;">"Internet Presence". &nbsp; </span>However, the primary vision of ICANN 
i.e " to promote competition in the domain-name market and provide more 
innovation and change to the Internet's addressing system" may get harmed by 
185,000 USD evaluation fee. <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; <br>&nbsp;&nbsp; Internet usage 
and awareness is increasing in under-developed and developing countries, 
businesses are initiating online communication and users are more interested in 
online solutions. Paying 185,000 USD as an application evaluation fee may not 
be possible for a very large number of businesses and communities living in 
under-developed and developing countries. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp; I would like to 
suggest that ICANN may divide the evaluation fee criteria on the basis of 
developed, under-developed and developing countries especially in context with 
a community-based gTLD. This would not only encourage more participation for 
new gTLDs but will also improve the end-user confidence in ICANN's regarding 
promoting Internet resources. 
<br><br>"<br><br><br>Regards,<br><br><div>Naveed-ul-Haq<br>Assistant&nbsp;Director&nbsp;(ICT)<br>Pakistan&nbsp;Telecommunication&nbsp;Authority<br>Headquarters&nbsp;,&nbsp;F-5/1&nbsp;<br>Islamabad.<br>Ph:&nbsp;+92&nbsp;(51)&nbsp;9203911<br>Fax:&nbsp;+92&nbsp;(51)&nbsp;9225368<br></div></div></FONT>