Public Comment

Public Comment is a vital part of our multistakeholder model. It provides a mechanism for stakeholders to have their opinions and recommendations formally and publicly documented. It is an opportunity for the ICANN community to effect change and improve policies and operations.

Review of the ASO

Comment/Reply Periods (*) Important Information Links
Comment Open: 16 March 2012
Comment Close: 6 April 2012
Close Time (UTC): 23:59 UTC Public Comment Announcement
Reply Open: 7 April 2012 To Submit Your Comments (Forum Closed)
Reply Close: 30 April 2012 View Comments Submitted
Close Time (UTC): 23:59 UTC Report of Public Comments
Brief Overview
Originating Organization: Number Resource Organization, NRO
Categories/Tags: Reviews/Improvements
Purpose (Brief): ITEMS International, a consultancy engaged by the NRO to undertake an independent review of the ASO, has delivered its final report. Comments are sought to inform the NRO as well as ICANN to prepare for further steps in the review process.
Current Status: Independent review concluded, final report delivered and posted for public comments
Next Steps: Consideration by the NRO and ICANN and decisions on implementation steps. The NRO will submit its conclusions on the report during the reply comment period, based on comments received.
Staff Contact: Olof Nordling Email: olof.nordling@icann.org
Detailed Information
Section I: Description, Explanation, and Purpose
A review of the Address Supporting Organization, ASO, as required by the ICANN Bylaws, is currently being undertaken by the Number Resource Organization, NRO, in line with the provisions of the ASO MoU. An important step in this process is now finalized: ITEMS International was engaged to perform an independent review and has now presented a final report, to which public comments are sought to inform considerations and decision by the NRO and ICANN in preparation of further steps.
Section II: Background
The ICANN Bylaws require independent reviews to be undertaken of Supporting Organizations and Advisory Committees. The MoU between ICANN and the NRO states that the NRO shall fulfill the role of the ASO and further that the NRO shall devise the review mechanism for the review of the ASO. The NRO selected a consultant to perform an independent review as the first step in this process.
Section III: Document and Resource Links

Final report: http://www.nro.net/wp-content/uploads/ASO-Review-Report-2012.pdf [PDF, 3.75 MB] 
ASO MoU, providing the foundation for this supporting organization: http://archive.icann.org/en/aso/aso-mou-29oct04.htm
ASO website, for further information: http://aso.icann.org/
NRO website: http://www.nro.net/

Section IV: Additional Information

None


(*) Comments submitted after the posted Close Date/Time are not guaranteed to be considered in any final summary, analysis, reporting, or decision-making that takes place once this period lapses.