“Sorry We’re Late, Please Change the Rules”: .Arab

Another group asks for special consideration in fresh gTLD process.

Now that three versions of the Draft Applicant Guidebook for fresh top level domain names have been released, a group backing .arab is asking ICANN to make special accommodations for it.

In a letter dated May 4, International Telecommunication Union informs ICANN that it has been appointed by the League of Arab States (LAS) to help establish the .arab TLD and corresponding IDN gTLD.

The letter asks ICANN to consider numerous special provisions for public sector entities wishing to apply for fresh TLDs:

1. They think there ought to be a separate registry agreement for public vs. private sector applicants. Among the issues they’re concerned regarding is indemnifying ICANN and damages for failure to act in good faith.

2. They don’t want to provide a letter of credit or sizable escrow deposit in case of registry failure.

3. They want to be considered like a capital city so they get priority over anyone else who wants to apply for .arab — and thus avoid an auction.