Following the ICANN
meetings in Yokohama in mid-July 2000, ICANN has received a very
large number of inquiries regarding the process for applying to sponsor
or operate new TLDs.
The nature and extent of
the inquiries makes clear that there is a significant amount of confusion
regarding the process for applying, the evaluation of applications,
and the following steps toward implementation of new TLDs. The ICANN
staff has concluded that to achieve a responsible introduction of
new TLDs it is important to provide the community with a more detailed
overview of the entire application process before detailed application
instructions are issued.
The ICANN staff has posted
a comprehensive overview,
which permits prospective applicants to evaluate the resources that
will be required to submit an application. The overview gives guidance
on preparatory steps that should be taken before beginning actual
drafting of the extensive application that will be necessary.
Documents giving additional
details on the process and requirements will be made available later
in August. We anticipate that the period for submitting applications
will open on 5 September and close on 2 October.