I am delighted to report that we have achieved yet another major milestone in empowering the New gTLD program. The NGPC has now approved the New Registry Agreement [PDF, 2.15 MB] following on the heels of the adoption of the 2013 Registrar Accreditation Agreement (RAA) a few days ago. We now have the infrastructural tools and the means to start the contracting process, and continue the march toward delegation of New gTLDs. You can view the redline version of the Agreement here [PDF, 1.62 MB].
These recent accomplishments are very significant on their own, and additionally for a variety of other reasons. As the ICANN community prepares for ICANN 47 in Durban, I sense an added level of energy and a tinge of jubilation in our community. It’s as though the summit is finally coming into view, after a long and at times exhausting voyage.
As we assemble all the moving parts that are required for the proverbial lift off, I reflect on how far we have come together and how much ground we have covered. My sincere congratulations to all the stakeholders of our community for this achievement, and gratitude for all their contributions and constructive input.
Further Reading
- RyA Adopted by the NGPC [PDF, 1.46 MB]
- Redline Comparing Revised Version of RyA to 29 April 2013 Version [PDF, 1.62 MB]
- Summary of Changes to the RyA [PDF, 898 KB]
- Report of Public Comments on the 29 April 2013 RyA [PDF, 338 KB]
What industry leaders are saying about the new RA…
Jon Nevett, Donuts, Inc.
“This agreement, which requires consumer protections not present in the current namespace, reflects the hard work of ICANN, applicants, and the community, and is another step toward new gTLD delegation. Donuts looks forward to resolving — prior to the Durban meeting — the enforcement issue related to the GAC safeguards and beginning the contracting process forthwith so that we can fulfill our and ICANN’s mission to bring variety, choice and competition to the namespace.”
Jeff Neuman Neustar, Inc.
“Neustar is pleased that ICANN continues to move forward to make new gTLDs a reality. There is still a lot of work to do, and we look forward to working in good faith with ICANN staff in Durban to identify PIC enforcement mechanisms that give responsible gTLD operators the chance to compete and succeed. We think it is also critical to identify a clear path forward that avoids unreasonable delay on the applications that have been deferred.”