ICANN considering single batch for evaluation, but not for release of fresh TLDs

Fresh TLDs will still be metered even if evaluated in one batch.

ICANN is seeking community input on its latest ideas for how to batch fresh top level domain names.

In its call for comments, it states that it still plans to limit the addition of fresh top level domains to the root to 1,000 per year. It also wants to spread the additions to the root out over time rather than adding 1,000 at once.

The group states that it has the capabilities to evaluate all 1,930 applications in one batch, with the evaluation concluding in June-July 2013. If it did that, then we’d potentially see fresh TLDs added to the root in Q3 of 2013.

But a single evaluation batch still doesn’t resolve the issue of only adding 1,000 domains in a year, so it’s asking for community input on how to handle that. It’s also changing the terminology a bit, throwing in the term “metering” instead of batching. L.A. drivers know all regarding metering as they try to enter a highway. I suspect many groups will call for regarding 80 or so to be added to the root per month.

I expect plenty of self serving comments to be submitted. Hopefully someone will also come up with a fair and executable idea.