IP: DRAFT USG PROPOSAL ON DNS

[Dave Farber <farber () cis upenn edu>]

FYI, for those following the Internet domain name registration issues.....


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                         Contact:  Paige Darden
January 30, 1998                                         202-482-7002
                                                         pdarden () ntia doc gov


COMMERCE DEPARTMENT RELEASES PROPOSAL TO PRIVATIZE INTERNET DOMAIN
REGISTRATION


WASHINGTON, DC -- The Commerce Department today released a draft
proposal suggesting ways to improve the current management of Internet
names and addresses by establishing a private sector policy oversight
body and introducing competition into the domain name registration
system.  The paper is available on the Commerce Department*s National
Telecommunications and Information Administration*s website at


http://www.ntia.doc.gov/. 


     The draft proposal is intended to elicit comment from the
stakeholder community and will be published in the Federal Register to
give all interested parties an opportunity to participate in the
process.  *We expect that this proposal will spark a lively debate,
requiring thoughtful analysis.  But, we are hopeful that reasonable
consensus can be found and that, after appropriate modifications,
implementation can begin in April 1998,* said J.  Beckwith Burr,
associate administrator, NTIA, Office of International Affairs (OIA). 
Comments should be mailed to U.S.  Department of Commerce, NTIA/OIA,
14th and Constitution, NW, Room 4701, Washington, DC 20230 or e-mailed
to dns () ntia doc gov.  (The Federal Register notice will establish the
official deadline for when comments must be received.)


     *Our goal is to transition to private sector management of Internet
names and addresses in a way that maintains the stability of the
Internet; that is competitive, encouraging innovation and maximizing
individual freedom; that results in private, bottom-up coordination; and
that reflects that diversity of the Internet*s users and their needs,*
said Burr. 


     In order to achieve these goals, today*s proposal would privatize
the management of Internet names and addresses through the creation of a
new not-for-profit corporation.  This organization would set policy for
the allocation of number blocks to regional number registries; oversee
operation of the root server system; determine when new top-level-domain
names should be added to the root system; and coordinate development of
protocol parameters for the Internet.  It also proposes to create
competition among registries that manage top-level domains and among
registrars who provide services to Internet end users; and terminate the
existing surcharge on Internet registration now allocated to the
Internet Intellectual Infrastructure Fund. 


     The proposal is an outgrowth of the Clinton Administration*s
Framework for Global Electronic Commerce, which was released by


President Clinton in July 1997.  At that time, the President directed
the Commerce Department to seek ways to privatize, increase competition
in, and promote international participation in the domain name system in
order to reach the full potential of electronic commerce. 


     In the Fall, the Commerce Department sought public input on issues
relating to the overall framework for the registration of domain names,
the creation of new top level domains, policies for registrars, and
trademark issues.  Over 430 comments were received, amounting to nearly
1500 pages, in response to this request.  Today*s discussion draft was
shaped by this public input. 


     NTIA serves as the principal adviser to the executive branch on
domestic and international telecommunications issues.  To receive a hard
copy of the draft proposal, please contact Mary Wallach, NTIA Public
Affairs, at 202-482-3999. 


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