Comment to sTLD RFP

[<lauri.hirvonen@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hello ICANN
 
Here is the comment to ICANN request of:
The ICANN Board has invited public comments on this draft 
through 25 August 2003.  

 This is the Comment from Nokia Corporation. Nokia (mobile 
 handset and infrastructure manufacturer and vendor) with 
 support from Sonera (mobile operator and service provider from 
 Finland) did already submit an application to ICANN during the year 
 2000 round for the sponsored "mobile TLD" with several tld 
 name proposals, like ".mob, .mobi" etc.
 
 During the open microphone session in ICANN Montreal 2003 
 meeting there was a comment, that since year 2000, we are now 
 3 years further and therefore new sponsored TLD needs may 
 have emerged, which were not recognized at that time.
 
 To our opinion, it's totally understandable to have new 
 applicants for the above reason. However, new applicants 
 should not be accepted to areas/names, which already are 
 presented in the year 2000 applications. That same applies to 
 year 2000 applicants, who wish to change to a potentially 
 more lucrative case of another application. ICANN should not 
 encourage stealing of ideas and otherwise unhealthy business 
 practises by allowing that to happen.
 
 We also support the comments, that applicants should 
 demonstrate sufficient technical and financial strength 
 compared to the size of the targeted business and strong 
 access to the customer base of the intended TLD to enhance 
 the possibilities of success of the new business.
 
 Best Regards,
 
 Ritva Siren & Lauri Hirvonen
 mTLD Initiative
 
 Nokia Corporation