Idea to get data on new TLDs will probably take longer than expected.
If the current draft plan (pdf) for accepting “Expressions of Interest” for new top level domain names is adopted in similar form, ICANN won’t start accepting applications until June 2010 at the earliest.
The delay is because ICANN will shift its planned communications efforts for new TLD applications to promote Expressions of Interest instead. The current proposal for Expressions of Interest would not allow EOIs to be submitted until the communication period ends, which will be at least four months.
But June 2010 might be optimistic. The draft plan also calls for the some of major overarching issues — such as registrar/registry separation and rights protection — to be decided prior to accepting Expressions of Interest. This may mean the 4th draft of the applicant guidebook will be released prior to accepting EOIs. If the communication period doesn’t run concurrently to resolving these outstanding issues, it would push the dates further back. Because the communications would require a “due date” for submitting EOIs, running them concurrently might not be feasible.
Although open for comment, the draft plan suggests a price tag of $55,000 to submit an Expression of Interest. This is an upfront payment for the actual application, although refunds will only be given if the actual launch date of reviewing applications is delayed beyond a certain point.
John Berryhill says
“The draft plan also calls for the major overarching issues — such as registrar/registry separation and rights protection — to be decided prior to accepting Expressions of Interest.”
One of the selling points of this proposal was to have the EOI data inform resolution of the “overarching issues”. Can someone remind me of the purpose of the EOI process again?
Andrew Allemann says
Good point John. I shouldn’t have used that language…after re-reading it, it’s clear that only *some* of the issues need be addressed up front, such as registry/registrar separation. Obviously root scaling doesn’t need to be determined in advance, since that’s part of the reason for the EOI process.
Philip Corwin says
While EOI proponents meant for it to speed up the new gTLD process, it now may have the opposite effect.
ICANN has proposed a version of EOI that, based on comments already received, will be opposed by the GAC, Registry Constituency, INTA, and other powerful interests. So the enusing debate on whether this version of EOI should go forward will probably divert time and energy that could have been devoted to resolving the very same overarching issues that need to be addressed for DAGv4 to be published and the EOI to commence.
As originally envisioned, EOI was to go forward early in 2010 and give ICANN and the community some estimate of the number and types of TLD applications to be expected. But now it has just added to the controversies, and it looks like it would not launch until mid-2010 at best, much closer to the opening of the application window — in which case, what’s the point?
Isn’t it ironic?
John Berryhill says
“Obviously root scaling doesn’t need to be determined in advance, since that’s part of the reason for the EOI process.”
…but if root scaling depends on the number of EOI’s submitted, then how are EOI applicants in any more secure a position regarding their exclusive license to submit a gTLD application, if the point was to “lock in” a guarantee they’d be able to apply for a TLD?
I’m thinking at this point that if the “right to apply for a TLD” is going to open and close for a limited time prior to DAGv4, then it might be worthwhile to form an entity for the purpose of submitting an EOI, and then try to sell that entity off in the time between the end of the EOI and the start of applications.
There’s an interesting speculative opportunity in this thing…
Andrew Allemann says
John – yeah, the document addresses that a little bit…says its OK to have a secondary market if I read it correctly
Constantine Roussos says
I am guessing that there will not be a DAG 4 for Nairobi, Kenya, so an Expressions of Interest will probably commence in July stretching out until August/September. ICANN can begin the communication process after the Kenya meeting which can stretch out to the end of the approximate EOI July/August window. If this is done right, there will probably be a 6-month total communication window (February/March – July/August). The results should be ready for ICANN by September, 2010.
In regards to the overarching issues of Vertical Integration & Characters & Trademarks, these can run parallel with the EOI communication period and finalized by the June Brussels meeting. Tahat way the EOI is ready to commence in June/July.
If this is not the timeline, something is seriously wrong (wont be the first time right?).
I am hoping that ICANN does it the way I am describing it. Having a 6+ month communication period is kinda long but it can silence the ones complaining about “insiders”.
I am expecting that by September ICANN can have all the results and we move forward with the rest of the application details.
As Philip said, it will be ironic if this delays the process even further. I hope I am not wrong about ICANN’s timeline (wont be the first time I am wrong with that).
Hope everyone has a happy holiday and a great new year 2010!
Constantine Roussos
.music
http://www.music.us
http://www.myspace.com/musicextension
http://www.twitter.com/musicextension
John Berryhill says
Indeed it does:
“The fact that gTLDs can be “transferred” after delegation generates much the same result ‐‐ the EOI process could shift these scenarios to an earlier stage. It is possible that such transfers may be beneficial and in the public interest.”
It almost seems that a more accurate result for data desired by the EOI process could be obtained from running a prediction market. In that situation, participants would speculate on the outcome of the gTLD application process, instead of taking speculative positions in the process itself.
Andrew Allemann says
I’m a big fan of prediction markets.
John Berryhill says
“I am expecting that by September ICANN can have all the results”
…until someone comes along and complains that by opening the EOI in June/July and closing it in September, that everyone is going to be off on holiday. That’s usually how these things tend to go.