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Call for Nominations "Breaking Borders Award"
by alice＠apc.org 09 Oct '09

09 Oct '09

Call for Nominations "Breaking Borders Award" On November 3rd 2009, Google and Reporters without Borders will hold an event entitled "Breaking Borders" to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. We'd like to take this opportunity to highlight the importance of free expression around the world and send a clear message to repressive regimes that censor content both online and offline by honoring outstanding individuals or groups, who have shown courage, energy and resourcefulness in using the internet to promote freedom of expression, ensure that diverse political viewpoints are heard and stand up to those who censor information. Therefore Google and Reporters without Borders invite you to nominate candidates for the Breaking Borders Award. We encourage you to share this Call for Nominations with others who might wish to submit a nomination. Nomination & Selection Procedure Please send your nominations until the 20th of October to breakingborders(a)google.com. As part of your nomination please send us the name (contact if possible), references (URLs or attachments), as well as at least one other person who can assess the nominee's work. Nominations will be forwarded to the designated Award Committee consisting of selected experts from Reporters without Borders and Google. Background Information Breaking Borders Event Twenty years ago, the fall of the Berlin Wall became a striking symbol for freedom and self-determination far beyond the borders of Germany. But in many places around the world today, people are still struggling take hold of the right to express their thoughts and beliefs freely and openly. Dissidents and journalists remain under severe pressure, and their voices are all too often silenced by force. Google and Reporters without Borders have partnered to celebrate and advocate for the importance of freedom of expression and the role the internet plays in allowing each and everyone to freely participate in our global discourse. Today, the Internet continues to be an increasingly populous and powerful medium for spreading opinions across the spectrum throughout the globe. The estimated number of blogs has grown to 110 million last year from fewer than two million in 2004. Expression through online video has become so popular that 20 hours of videos are uploaded to YouTube every minute, and hundreds of millions of videos are watched on the site everyday. Even in countries where governments engage in heavy censorship, the Internet has nevertheless proven to be an effective tool for sharing information and promoting political change. --------------------------------------- Dr. Max Senges Multistakeholder Cooperations Unter den Linden 21 10117 Berlin mobile: +49 1622122755 office: + 49 30303986362 www.maxsenges.com (google internal http://go/maxsenges) AG Hamburg, HRB 86891 Sitz der Gesellschaft: Hamburg Geschäftsführer: Nikesh Arora, John Herlihy, Graham Law, Lloyd Martin, Kent Walker

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Re: [kictanet] TEAMS and Open ended circuit
by Akich Kwach 09 Oct '09

09 Oct '09

Kai, That was and remains a smart strategy. The truth is we can never get rid of satelite technology, we can only reduce its reliance as it will stil continue to serve the maginalised areas where it might take ages to roll out fibre. So my question is; What would have motivated some operators to sign contract with satelite companies for such a long duration, taking into account the fast changing glogal trends? I may be wrong, but such arrangements could have been intentional and personalised, hence should be scrutinised by the regulator. Akich Kwach ----- Original Message ----- From: kai wulff To: kwach(a)archway-productions.com Cc: 'KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions' Sent: Friday, October 09, 2009 5:48 AM Subject: Re: [kictanet] TEAMS and Open ended circuit KDN had about 1000Mbps on Sat with contracts that were month to month. We retained approx. 250Mbps for redundancy (we could have dropped it but decided we need a plan B just in case). I don’t think that anybody can hold us hostage … Kai Von: kictanet-bounces+kai.wulff=kdn.co.ke(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] Im Auftrag von S.Murigi Muraya Gesendet: Friday, October 09, 2009 00:02 An: kai.wulff(a)kdn.co.ke Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions Betreff: Re: [kictanet] TEAMS and Open ended circuit Why has KDN been able to lower their Internet prices by 90%? Is it that they do not have 25 year contracts with the satellite companies that are holding us hostage? Walubengo J wrote: Robert, I am glad you liked the predictions I made last year about internet service costs. I am sure you might also like my suggested price-reduction mechanisms I am making this year @ http://www.strathmore.edu/pdf/ict09/affordable_ict.pdf Unfortunately nobody listens to Academicians in these parts of the world - no wonder most lecturers abandon classroom to become politicians...so that someone can listen to them ;-). What's more I get worried when I look at some of the approaches and strategies the regulator CCK has proposed as a way of containing Tariffs (including internet pricing?) from Operators (Licensees). But since I am not an Operator, I will leave it for the Operators to present their case...but they will be hard-pressed to explain whey they should not be considered biased...cant wait for that stakeholders meeting. As for the PS to apologise...he is of age to decide for himself. But he could learn from that Politician who had promised us a Constitution in 100days. He didnt deny it - he just clarified that the days were not consecutive days ;-). And so it is the same with the internet costs. Prices will indeed come down as promised. But obviously not tomorrow. regards. walu. --- On Thu, 10/8/09, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> wrote: From: robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> Subject: Re: [kictanet] TEAMS and Open ended circuit To: "Walubengo J" <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Thursday, October 8, 2009, 12:27 PM Hi, I finally got a chance to look through the presentation you sent me concerning the marine cable issue, which was comprehensive. My suggestion is that you call all the ISPs and give them this presentation so that they can stop, once and for all, passing the buck for failing the Nation and keeping us in the stone age of connectivity. From the presentation it is clear that the marine cable on its own was not the panacea for high internet charges and slow connectivity, we did not understand that the model for Internet access in the US cannot be applied in countries outside that continent as the bulk of the content is resident in the US . For a long time, over 12 years ago when I wrote an article for an IT magazine that was called Micro Computer Guide, I was called the village madman for advocating about the need to develop local content. I was incensed by the action by the then Karisa Communications (Makatiani & Ngeno) later AfricaOnline to shut down their bulleting board based service to provide us with the so called Internet connection yet we where on the right track as we created local content out of necessity. Today I believe I stand exonerated as ISP’s finally confirm that the marine cable is not going to bring down the cost of Internet access, you wonder why we have wasted the past 3 years singing its praises. I say PS Ndemo, in his personal capacity and on behalf of all the agencies under his ministry (ICT board, e-government, CCK & other), owes the country an apology for taking us on a wild goose chase. PS Ndemo the creation of local content falls smack in your docket and I have said this before all the government has to do is digitize all those reports in their possession beginning with the constitution, sessional papers, census, exam results, list of village polytechnics and the presidents diary then we can all move from their. Again thanks Walubengo. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696 --- On Fri, 2/10/09, Walubengo J <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> wrote: From: Walubengo J <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [kictanet] TEAMS and Open ended circuit To: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Date: Friday, 2 October, 2009, 8:32 AM McTim, Kai, I can bet you have confused more than shedding light on this issue. But I cant blame you. It's not something one can explain in two or three emails. Typcially its a full-semester course issue... but here could be some highlights. http://www.strathmore.edu/pdf/ictc-08/internet-interconnection-model.pdf walu. --- On Fri, 10/2/09, McTim <dogwallah(a)gmail.com> wrote: > From: McTim <dogwallah(a)gmail.com> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] TEAMS and Open ended circuit > To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Date: Friday, October 2, 2009, 10:28 AM > Hi Robert, > > On Fri, Oct 2, 2009 at 8:48 AM, robert yawe <robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk> > wrote: > > > > For a while I wondered why the TEAMS cable has not > gone hot yet it landed over 2 weeks ago, yesterday I got the > answer. > > > > The headline in the newpaper story indicated that > Jamii, a partner in the TEAMS project had finally connected > to Europe from Fujaira, which sounded a little strange. > Where did the fibre cable terminate to when it got to > Fujaira? > > > > SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 and FLAG all land in > Fujiarah. I assume > there is a central landing station, with links to EMIX at > that > physical location. > > > > > > What this statement would suggest is that the > termination in Fujaira does not actually connect into the > Internet backbone but is actually an "open end" from where > the providers must find a carrier, read IPOP, to get them > onto the Internet. > > > > That's what I got from the newspaper articles as well. > > > > > > Maybe I do not understand this Internet connectivity > issue, but taking an analogy that if Kenya Power connect > electricity to my house (before which hopefully I had > already wired the inside of the house for lights, sockets > and cookers) the minute then the minute I flick a switch a > light will come on (subject to power rationing schedule and > having bought and installed an energy saving bulb). > > The analogy is flawed. The power company is a service > provider, the > submarine cables are not providing Internet connectivity as > such. > > Power flows down a power line to your house,that's what you > consume. > > light flows down glass (Layer 1 and 2). Internet > Packets (Layer 3 and > higher) are encoded in this light. > > > > > Can someone out there familiar with fibre optic cable > termination shade some light on this issue for my benefit > and also many others out there. > > TEAMS cable carries light waves. The investors in > TEAMS have the > right to this capacity. ISPs have to buy transit > (their Internet > access) from other providers(or peer with lots of other > players). As > an ISP on TEAMS, one has to either buy transit at some > location > (London, Amsterdam, New York, Hong Kong, wherever) and haul > it to > Fujairah, OR buy it in the UAE. > > Have no coffee in the house, so this might be confusing, > sorry. > > -- > Cheers, > > McTim > "A name indicates what we seek. An address indicates where > it is. A > route indicates how we get there." Jon Postel > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jwalu%40yahoo.com > _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: robertyawe(a)yahoo.co.uk Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/robertyawe%40yahoo.co.… ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________kictanet mailing [email protected]://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: murigi.muraya(a)gmail.comUnsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/murigi.muraya%40gmail.… ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet This message was sent to: kwach(a)archway-productions.com Unsubscribe or change your options at http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/kwach%40archway-produc…

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Anyone lost their Orange bundle?
by Judy Okite 08 Oct '09

08 Oct '09

Dear All, I thought to share this and stop suffering alone, coz someone may be on the same boat....... on friday night, I had 157MB of bundle on internet everywhere modem......33minutes of processing email, it disconnects...checking my balance,i have 7.17MB of bundle... and of course the same story...were looking into it....were looking into it....we will call you....... so by Sunday nigh....I got to do some stuff so I load with 870 to buy 250 bundles and I had 16.50 ksh remaining.....this was at 11.03pm. at 11.15pm it disconnects and what happens I have 6.75MB. so on monday am to call........talked to everyone.....some supervisor by the name Lou...very rude guy........besides the point...by Monday evening nothing had been done,no phone call....nothing! Tuesday, I was at GPO 2nd floor at 11am...left at 3pm.......what did I leave with there? Some Manager by the name of Mark...assuring me that it will be sorted before 5'oclock...there system had a problem between friday night and sunday night....so they are rebating as guys report......so I took his number and left. Wednesday, I call Mark at 10am..".what is happening"? "I am not in the office let me call you when I get there".................so I call him at 3pm...24hrs later after I was in his office...... "I have forwarded your complain,with the others.....so I will call you...when I get a response".......Sir youre talking like am in your office....its 24hrs later....you have forwarded? so I call Mark 5mins to 5...he does not pick his phone...for obvious reasons.....the whole day thursday...he is not answering his phone....I do not have my bundles................what a frustration! I havent seen this on the media.......which is very unfortunate.........because I was hoping that they could have apologised to their consumers.....our systems were down.so if you lost bundles,then get in touch. nothing ! my conclusions; either someone is completely incompetent or this is the way to thiefery....hoping that you will be exhausted calling and following up...and they call it a day! Does anyone have a contact of someone I should visit tomorrow....to get this sorted? Kind Regards, -- "When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place."

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Call for Proposal for the Amy Mahan Research Fellowship Program
by alice＠apc.org 08 Oct '09

08 Oct '09

Please find attached a Call for Proposal for the Amy Mahan Research Fellowship Program. Website: http://www.upf.edu/amymahan Up to 12 Research Fellowships will be awarded, each providing a grant of up to 22,000 and specialized guidance to enable emerging scholars to carry out their own new and original study examining the impact of public access to information and communication technologies (ICT). Emerging developing country researchers from Africa, the Middle East, the Asia Pacific region and Latin America and the Caribbean are invited to apply for the Fellowship. The deadline for applying is Midnight Eastern Standard Time, 31 December 2009. Applications may be submitted in English, French, Portuguese or Spanish. Please disseminate this announcement to other researchers and scholars who might be interested. Thank you Abi Jagun

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FW: GUN IN CELLPHONE DECOY - BE CAREFUL
by Edith Adera 07 Oct '09

07 Oct '09

We are living in a dangerous world - converged world! Mobile and guns! Read more below... Subject: GUN IN CELLPHONE DECOY - BE CAREFUL Most of us see airport security as a pain. Some of us even feel violated. When you see the below pictures, you'll understand why they want our cell phones through the x-ray machine. If you get asked to test your cell phone at the airport, this is the reason. Cell phone guns have arrived. <http://www.funfunky.com/viewforum.php?f=40> AND they are real. <http://www.funfunky.com/viewforum.php?f=40> <http://www.funfunky.com/viewforum.php?f=40> Beneath the digital phone face is a .22 caliber handgun capable of firing four rounds in rapid succession using the standard telephone keypad. European law enforcement officials are stunned by the discovery of these deadly decoys. They say phone guns are changing the rules of engagement in Europe. Only when you have one in your hand do you realize that they are heavier than a regular cell phone.<http://www.funfunky.com/viewforum.php?f=40> <http://www.funfunky.com/viewforum.php?f=40> Be patient if security asks to look at your cell phone or turn it on to show that it works. They have a good reason! Wake up to our NEW WORLD!! We shouldn't complain about airport security 'invading your privacy. <http://www.funfunky.com/viewforum.php?f=40> <http://www.funfunky.com/viewforum.php?f=40> [cid:[email protected]] <http://www.funfunky.com/viewforum.php?f=40> At first sight you will think the piece below is a mobile phone, but you will discover that you are wrong by taking a critical look at it the second time. This is a real, functional and deadly gun. Pls disseminate this information to all people in your area. Pls sensitise all the security guards on this latest development.. ________________________________ Note: The information in this email and any attachments is confidential and may be legally privileged. It is intended only for the use of the named addressee. Emails are susceptible to alteration and their integrity cannot be guaranteed. Safaricom Limited does not accept legal responsibility for the contents of this email if the same is found to have been altered or manipulated. The contents and opinions expressed in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Safaricom Limited. Safaricom Limited disclaims any liability to the fullest extent permissible by law for any consequences that may arise from the contents of this email including but not limited to personal opinions, malicious and/or defamatory information and data/codes that may compromise or damage the integrity of the recipient’s information technology systems.. If you are not the intended recipient please notify the sender and immediately delete this email from your system.Unless expressly stated by a duly authorised officer of Safaricom Limited nothing contained in this email message may be construed as being an offer to contract or an acceptance of an offer capable of constituting a contract between Safaricom Limited and any recipient(s) of this email. ________________________________

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World War III could be fought on Internet, says ITU head
by Harry Hare 07 Oct '09

07 Oct '09

FYI... http://www.cio.co.ke/index.php/view-all-main-stories/231-world-war-iii-could -be-fought-on-internet-says-itu-head.html Kindest Regards Harry African eDevelopment Resource Centre eDevelopment House : : 604 Limuru Road Old Muthaiga : : P O Box 49475 00100 Nairobi : : Kenya T +254 20 3741646/7 : : C +254 725 650044 Training : : Research: :Consultancy: : Publishing

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Re: [kictanet] Kenya?s Gakuru is Africa's rep in NCUC
by Shah, SurajX 06 Oct '09

06 Oct '09

Alex Congratulations on this position. Let me know if Intel can support in any way; we have a host of information on the subject. Regards Suraj Shah Corporate Affairs Manager Intel Corporation | Kenya | Office: 7th Floor, Purhsottam Place, Westlands Road next to CfC Stanbic Bank, Nairobi | Tel: +254 20 3601724 / 3601727 | Mobile: +254 722 412277 | Email: surajx.shah(a)intel.com -----Original Message----- From: kictanet-bounces+surajx.shah=intel.com(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke Sent: 06 October 2009 11:42 To: Shah, SurajX Subject: kictanet Digest, Vol 29, Issue 15 Send kictanet mailing list submissions to kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to kictanet-request(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke You can reach the person managing the list at kictanet-owner(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of kictanet digest..." Today's Topics: 1. Re: Kenya?s Gakuru is Africa's rep in NCUC (Brian Munyao Longwe) 2. Re: Kenya?s Gakuru is Africa's rep in NCUC (Milton Aineruhanga) 3. The great debate: Who should regulate M-Pesa and ZAP? (Zachary Ochieng) 4. Re: Consumer Protection - Safaricom (Catherine Adeya) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Tue, 6 Oct 2009 08:23:10 +0300 From: Brian Munyao Longwe <blongwe(a)gmail.com> To: Alex Gakuru <gakuru(a)gmail.com> Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kenya?s Gakuru is Africa's rep in NCUC Message-ID: <fbcfc1d0910052223o4e1a0a31xac92120b57575442(a)mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Hi Alex, Congratulations on this position. It will definitely give you much insight into the dynamics of global internet governance issues, the power plays that occur at that level and I can promise you that your personality skills will definitely grow! Best regards, Brian On Mon, Oct 5, 2009 at 10:21 PM, Jotham Kilimo Mwale <jokilimo(a)yahoo.com>wrote: > Alex, congrats!! > > Jotham > > --- On *Sat, 10/3/09, Walubengo J <jwalu(a)yahoo.com>* wrote: > > > From: Walubengo J <jwalu(a)yahoo.com> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] Kenya?s Gakuru is Africa's rep in NCUC > To: jokilimo(a)yahoo.com > Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Date: Saturday, October 3, 2009, 9:28 AM > > > Congrats Alex. > > Finally your Consumer-focus is getting international recognition. Prophets > are rarely recognized at home ;-) > > walu. > > --- On *Fri, 10/2/09, Harry Hare <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org>* wrote: > > > From: Harry Hare <harry(a)africanedevelopment.org> > Subject: [kictanet] Kenya?s Gakuru is Africa's rep in NCUC > To: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > Cc: "KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions" <kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke> > Date: Friday, October 2, 2009, 10:04 PM > > FYI > > > http://www.cio.co.ke/index.php/view-all-top-stories/214-kenyas-gakuru-is-afr > ican-rep-in-ncuc.html > > > Kindest regards > Harry > > African eDevelopment Resource Centre > eDevelopment House : : 604 Limuru Road > Old Muthaiga : : P O Box 49475 00100 > Nairobi : : Kenya > T +254 20 3741646/7 : : C +254 725 650044 > > Training : : Research: :Consultancy: : Publishing > > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: jwalu(a)yahoo.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jwalu%40yahoo.com > > > > -----Inline Attachment Follows----- > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke<http://us.mc366.mail.yahoo.com/mc/[email protected]> > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: jokilimo(a)yahoo.com<http://us.mc366.mail.yahoo.com/mc/[email protected]> > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jokilimo%40yahoo.com > > > > _______________________________________________ > kictanet mailing list > kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet > > This message was sent to: blongwe(a)gmail.com > Unsubscribe or change your options at > http://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/blongwe%40gmail.com > > -- Brian Munyao Longwe e-mail: blongwe(a)gmail.com cell: + 254 722 518 744 blog : http://zinjlog.blogspot.com meta-blog: http://mashilingi.blogspot.com

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The great debate: Who should regulate M-Pesa and ZAP?
by Zachary Ochieng 06 Oct '09

06 Oct '09

Dear all, Kindly follow this link for the above debate. Sample how CBK, CCK and industry players are arguing about who shold regulate mobile banking and m-money services. http://www.cio.co.ke/index.php/view-all-main-stories/237-banking-at-your-fi… Thanks. Zachary. --- Be the change you want to see in the world.

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International Computer Games Association Events 2010
by waudo siganga 05 Oct '09

05 Oct '09

----- Original message ----- From: "J.W. Hellemons" <J.W.Hellemons(a)uvt.nl> To: "'J.W. Hellemons'" <J.W.Hellemons(a)uvt.nl> Date: Mon, 5 Oct 2009 13:50:22 +0200 Subject: Announcement ICGA Events 2010 18th World Computer Chess Championship World Chess Software Championship World Computer Chess Blitz Championship JAIST Computer Olympiad International Conference on Computers and Games 2010 Kanazawa, Japan : September 24th to October 2nd 2010 The ICGA is delighted to announce that our events for 2010 will be held in Kanazawa, Japan, hosted by the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST). The contract for hosting this event was signed on October 5th in Kanazawa by ICGA President David Levy and JAIST President Takuya Katayama. The provisional dates are September 24th to October 2nd 2010. 2010 is the 20th anniversary of the founding of JAIST and our events will form an important role in their anniversary celebrations. Kanazawa is a city with a strong cultural identity. One of the most important sights in the city is Kenroku-en Garden, which is one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. JAIST have generously made available funding to enable us to provide financial support of 1,000 Euro for 10 of the participating teams in the World Computer Chess Championship, in order to defray their travel and accommodation costs. Full details will be made available in due course. This announcement serves also as a call for papers for the International Conference on Computer Games (2010). Full details of the conference will be available in due course.

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Fwd: ICANN Announces Important Milestones in Making the Internet More Accessible to All
by waudo siganga 05 Oct '09

05 Oct '09

Apologies for any cross-posting IDNs DAG3 IRT http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-04oct09-en.htm العربية 中文 English Français Español Русский 日本語 Deutsch Português 한국어 Italiano ICANN Announces Important Milestones in Making the Internet More Accessible to All 4 October 2009 In the past several days, ICANN has announced recent milestones regarding changes in how the Internet community will use the Internet in the near future. These important developments include the plan for deployment of Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) in the next few months and significant progress in developing the model for delegating new generic top-level domains (gTLDs). Proposed Final Implementation Plan: IDN ccTLD Fast Track Process http://www.icann.org/en/topics/idn/fast-track/idn-cctld-implement ation-plan-30sep09-en.pdf ICANN is pleased to announce the public posting of the Proposed Final Implementation Plan for the IDN ccTLD Fast Track Process. The IDN ccTLD Fast Track Process is an important step at making the Internet equally accessible for everyone. It will enable the introduction of a limited number of internationalized country-code top level domain names (IDN ccTLDs). As noted by ICANN CEO Rod Beckstrom, once implemented, this will be the first time that users can obtain a domain name with the entire string in characters other than ASCII (or Latin) characters, "this is one of the most exciting developments for the users of the Internet globally in years. IDNs will enable the people the world over to use domain name addresses in their own language." The process will be available to all countries and territories where the official language is based on scripts other than the Latin (extended) script. IDNs, like the Affirmation of Commitments announced last week (www.icann.org ) are another step towards making the Internet more truly global to achieve our goal of "one world, one Internet, everyone connected." The proposed final plan is scheduled for ICANN Board consideration at the ICANN meeting in Seoul, Korea, 26-30 October 2009. The proposed launch date for the IDN ccTLD Fast Track Process is 16 November 2009. ICANN is looking forward to feedback on the final plan in the public comment forum designated for that purpose. The proposed final plan has been developed based on responses to community comments and discussions. See the latest status update at: http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-2-09sep09-en.h tm. Responding to Public Comment: Version 3 of New gTLD Applicant Guidebook A Work In Progress http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/comments-3-en.htm The latest draft of the Applicant Guidebook that describes the process of applying for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) was released today. New gTLDs are expected to bring innovative services and greater choice to Internet users through increased competition and engender broad participation through the introduction of IDNs and community-based TLDs into the Domain Name System. In the last three months, the community has joined in extensive collaborative efforts on technical, intellectual property, potential for malicious conduct, and other matters, with global consultations in New York, Sydney, London, Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi. The Guidebook has been changed significantly. As indicated by ICANN Chief Operating Officer, Doug Brent, "this third version of draft guidebook represents months of outstanding effort by many in the ICANN community - working to resolve the few, challenging remaining issues. This version is being released with materials that describe how public comment has influenced the changes presented in it." In all, there are over 50 areas of change, clearly indicated in the "redline" version of the Guidebook. In addition to specific trademark protections (described below) the new Guidebook includes: •Measures to prevent or mitigate potential for malicious conduct including a proposal to create high-security zones; •Enhanced stability / security measures, requiring DNSSEC deployment and prohibiting use of wildcards; •Protecting registrants by taking step to ensure registry viability: defining a financial instrument that will ensure ongoing registry operations in the event of failure, and specifying certain pre-delegation registry tests; and •Enhanced contractual tools through the development of post-delegation dispute procedures including one to ensure that community-based TLDs adhere to their self-described purpose. Like all previous versions, this draft is posted for public comment. It has been released prior to the ICANN meeting to be held in Seoul from October 25-30. During the Seoul meeting ICANN will conduct several sessions to facilitate discussion of this version of the Applicant Guidebook and finding solutions to the outstanding issues. Information about additional events will be available on the Seoul Meeting schedule at: http://sel.icann.org/full-sched. Trademark Protection Measures – Where to next? http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/gnso-consultations-repor ts-en.htm Specific trademark protection mechanisms are still to be decided upon by the Board. After receiving trademark protection recommendations from the Implementation Recommendation Team and others, taking extensive comment and conducting consultation with the broad community, ICANN has drafted a set of implementation recommendations related to intellectual property protections for the new gTLD program. Additional rights protection included in the Guidebook are the: •requirement to maintain a "thick" Whois database, and •specification of a post-delegation dispute procedure so that trademark holders can lodge complaints of abusive behavior against registries when merited. For other proposed rights protection mechanisms, the Board is providing the Generic Names Supporting Organization (the policy organization that developed the new gTLDs policy) with the opportunity to offer focused input on this specific area of the proposed implementation plan that is being published now. Those proposed rights protection mechanisms are: •The creation of an IP Clearinghouse, which is a database of validated trademarks to be utilized by new gTLD registry operators in implementing either an IP Claims service or Sunrise process during TLD launch; and •The creation of a Uniform Rapid Suspension process for use in clear-cut, blatant cases of trademark infringement. The community at-large may also comment on these specific issues, and of course, any other new gTLD issues through comment fora found on the new gTLD pages. The public comment period on these trademark protection solutions will be open until 22 November 2009. Please continue checking the New gTLD program webpage for updates. Prior to implementation, ICANN will work with the community to address remaining issues including: competition, consumer protection, security, stability and resiliency, malicious abuse issues, sovereignty concerns, and rights protection. Related links New gTLD program webpage: http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtld-program.htm Seoul meeting: http://sel.icann.org/ Media Contact: Michele Jourdan Corporate Affairs ICANN Ph: +1-310-301-5831 E: michele.jourdan(a)icann.org

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Public Comments are open now on Version 3 of New gTLD Applicant Guidebook
by alice＠apc.org 05 Oct '09

05 Oct '09

Please note: Public Comments are open now on Version 3 of New gTLD Applicant Guidebook http://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/#agbv3 Open: 4 October 09 Closed: 22 November 09 Explanation/Background: Explanation: The Draft Applicant Guidebook, V3 is now available for review and comment at http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/comments-3-en.htm. The Guidebook has been changed significantly. In all, there are over 50 areas of change, clearly indicated in the "redline" version of the Guidebook. All materials are in draft form for public comment and review. Your comments will help with the production of the next version of the Applicant Guidebook. Further details about the New gTLD Program can be found at: http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtld-program.htm. The Draft Applicant Guidebook, V3, and accompanying papers, will be made available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Korean and Spanish in the near future. Staff member responsible: Carole Cornell | More information please Announcement | Comments http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/comments-3-en.htm | Add a comment | http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/comments-3-en.htm Summary/analysis of comments Glen de Saint Géry GNSO Secretariat gnso.secretariat(a)gnso.icann.org http://gnso.icann.org

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NCUC Annual Election results
by wesley kirinya 05 Oct '09

05 Oct '09

Got this one, thought it's worth sharing. "The 2009 NCUC Annual Election results are now in. The complete results can be viewed directly online at: http://registro.br/ncuc/result/ Thank you to Carlos Afonso and the gentle folk at NIC.br for holding the election and managing its process. Thank you to all the candidates who stood in our most robust NCUC election EVER! Congrats to the new representatives! Best, Robin Final Results: Executive Committee Africa: Alex Gakuru Executive Committee Asia: David Cake Executive Committee Europe: Konstantinos Komaitis Executive Committee North America: Brenden Kuerbis Executive Committee South America: Carlos Affonso de Souza GNSO Council: Wendy Seltzer NCUC Chair: Robin Gross Charter revisions approved ---- What is NCUC: The NCUC is the home for civil society organizations and individuals in the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO). With real voting power in ICANN policy-making and Board selection, it develops and supports positions that favor non-commercial communication and activity on the Internet. The NCUC is open to non-commercial organizations and individuals involved in education, community networking, public policy advocacy, development, promotion of the arts, children's welfare, religion, consumer protection, scientific research, human rights and many other areas. http://ncdnhc.org"

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Visit my Netlog profile
by Thomas Senaji 04 Oct '09

04 Oct '09

Hey, I have created a Netlog profile with my pictures, videos, blogs and events and I want to add you as a friend so you can see it. You first need to register on Netlog! When you log in, you can create your own profile. Take a look: http://en.netlog.com/go/mailurl/type=invite_1&mailid=518182117&id=1&url=-L2… Cheers, Thomas ---------------------------------------------------------------- Don't want to receive invitations from your friends anymore? http://en.netlog.com/go/mailurl/type=invite_1&mailid=518182117&id=2&url=-L2…

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TEAMS and Open ended circuit
by robert yawe 02 Oct '09

02 Oct '09

For a while I wondered why the TEAMS cable has not gone hot yet it landed over 2 weeks ago, yesterday I got the answer. The headline in the newpaper story indicated that Jamii, a partner in the TEAMS project had finally connected to Europe from Fujaira, which sounded a little strange. Where did the fibre cable terminate to when it got to Fujaira? What this statement would suggest is that the termination in Fujaira does not actually connect into the Internet backbone but is actually an "open end" from where the providers must find a carrier, read IPOP, to get them onto the Internet. Maybe I do not understand this Internet connectivity issue, but taking an analogy that if Kenya Power connect electricity to my house (before which hopefully I had already wired the inside of the house for lights, sockets and cookers) the minute then the minute I flick a switch a light will come on (subject to power rationing schedule and having bought and installed an energy saving bulb). To the best of my knowledge Kenya Power Transmission Company does not need to be notified to connect my house to the grid and by extension Kengen do not require to be notified to connect me to a generating station whether geothermal, hydro or thermal. Can someone out there familiar with fibre optic cable termination shade some light on this issue for my benefit and also many others out there. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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ICT Territory Manager
by Catherine Adeya 02 Oct '09

02 Oct '09

Any takers? Nyaki ________________________________

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Academic Vacancy in ICTs and Development: Manchester Centre for Development Informatics]
by alice 01 Oct '09

01 Oct '09

Lecturer in Information Systems and Development The University of Manchester is seeking a lecturer to teach Master's modules on information systems and development; undertake research on information systems, ICTs and development; and contribute to development of a distance learning Master's programme. The lecturer will be a staff member of the Institute for Development Policy and Management (http://www.sed.manchester.ac.uk/idpm) IDPM provides globally-recognised research, postgraduate-only training, and consultancy in international development and management. It was rated first in development studies in research power terms by the recent UK Research Assessment Exercise. The lecturer will be part of the University's new Centre for Development Informatics (http://www.manchester.ac.uk/cdi) the leading academic centre working on ICTs and international development. The appointed candidate will be educated to at least Master's level with a track record of information systems teaching, research and publications, and with direct experience of information systems in developing economies. For those candidates who lack a sufficient research track record, appointment as a Teaching Fellow may be considered. Full details of the essential and desirable person specification requirements can be found in the further particulars. The appointment is for two years initially from 1 Jan 2010 or as soon as possible thereafter, with the likelihood of extension. Salary in the range £32,458-£35,469 per annum. Closing date for applications: 26 October 2009 Links to further particulars, application forms and guidance notes: http://www.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/jobs/academic/vacancy/index.htm?ref=165… Richard Heeks Director Centre for Development Informatics IDPM, SED, University of Manchester, UK richard.heeks(a)manchester.ac.uk

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MPESA - Monopolies commission
by robert yawe 01 Oct '09

01 Oct '09

Hi, I have been monitoring the growth of MPesa and I am getting concerned that we shall soon be held ransom if its growth is not monitored and their none competitive activities stopped. We are more concerned about number portability yet this will only benefit a few foreign investors yet mpesa has become so pervasive yet the tax consuming regulators do nothing to protect the consumer. The success of safaricoms mpesa has been so meteoric that it has scollen their heads to the point that there officers have become more powerful than the dreaded mungiki. They determine who can open an outlet where and which outlet will be shutdown. On the other extreme is the terms that the agents are giving such as they cannot provide the services of a competing provider. Imagine if KCC or Elliots wher giving the power to determine who can ot cannot sell their products and also require that you do not sell a competing product where would the milk and bread industry be today. If even KBL realised that a retailer must be free to decide which products to sell and not be bullied into selling the products of a particular brewer. Competition is about a level playing field of which the money transfer business it not, why should a grandmother in Budalangi or Kangaita who has a Zaine line be denied the opportunity to receive funds from her grand children because the only shop keeper within a 5 KM radius of her home is not allowed to offer multiple money transfer products, yet he can sell Tuzo, Brookside, Fresha, Haifa or any other brand of milk. We are regressing very first and unless the regulators do what they are paid to do with our hard earned taxes then we soon shall be be cornered. This keeps looking like the mark of the demon that is quoted in the bible. Somebody stop this madness. Robert Yawe KAY System Technologies Ltd Phoenix House, 6th Floor P O Box 55806 Nairobi, 00200 Kenya Tel: +254722511225, +254202010696

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Fwd: Judge Orders Google to Deactivate Account
by Brian Munyao Longwe 30 Sep '09

30 Sep '09

Interesting debate on this issue..... Brian --Judge Orders Google to Deactivate Account (September 24 & 28, 2009) A US District Court Judge in California has ordered Google to deactivate the Gmail account of a user who was accidentally sent confidential bank information. An employee of Wyoming-based Rocky Mountain Bank sent the data to the account in error; the data include names, Social Security Numbers (SSNs) and loan information of more than 1,300 bank customers. Upon recognizing the mistake, the bank sent another email to the same address, requesting that the recipient destroy the previous email and contact Rocky Mountain Bank. After receiving no reply, the bank asked Google for information about the account holder. Google said that it would not surrender any information without a court order. The judge's order is controversial because it appears to violate the account holder's First Amendment rights. Additionally, deactivating an individual's Gmail account could have far-reaching effects. http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=1142… http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/09/28/google_rocky_mountain_bank_suit_rol… [Editor's Note (Northcutt): I had to read this, drink a cup of hot tea, and read it again to comprehend how significant this case is. Please take the time to read the story. There are a couple of issues here. One is that the legal system follows technology by some number of years. Looking backward five years, you can sort of see Judge Ware's point of view, "It is just an email account, the person can get another one." Looking forward two or three years, in the words of Charlene Li, "In the future, two pieces of information will identify you, your email address and your mobile phone number". Bottom line, Judge Ware made a bad call.] -- Brian Munyao Longwe e-mail: blongwe(a)gmail.com cell: + 254 722 518 744 blog : http://zinjlog.blogspot.com meta-blog: http://mashilingi.blogspot.com -- Brian Munyao Longwe e-mail: blongwe(a)gmail.com cell: + 254 722 518 744 blog : http://zinjlog.blogspot.com meta-blog: http://mashilingi.blogspot.com

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Economist.com: A special report on telecoms in emerging markets
by saidimu apale 30 Sep '09

30 Sep '09

On this week's print edition: The leader article: http://www.economist.com/printedition/displayStory.cfm?Story_ID=14505519 The rest of the special report: http://www.economist.com/specialreports/displayStory.cfm?story_id=14483896 Not very much is news, but an interesting read nonetheless. Saidi

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Internationalization of the Internet Marks Historic Agreement
by Brian Munyao Longwe 30 Sep '09

30 Sep '09

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Anne-Rachel Inne <anne-rachel.inne(a)icann.org> Date: Wed, Sep 30, 2009 at 5:02 PM Subject: [AfrICANN-discuss] FW: Internationalization of the Internet Marks Historic Agreement To: "africann(a)afrinic.net" <africann(a)afrinic.net> FYI *FOR RELEASE: *Immediate *MEDIA CONTACTS: *Mike Silber ICANN Board Member Bromhof, South Africa* *Ph. +27 82 773 1288 mike.silber(a)icann.org Anne-Rachel Inne ICANN Regional Manager for Africa Niger, Africa Ph. + 1 323 304 3420 anne-rachel.inne(a)icann.org *Internationalization of the Internet Marks Historic Agreement* * * *Washington, D.C… September 30, 2009… *ICANN has signed an historic Affirmation Agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce that confirms the effectiveness of the ICANN model of international multi-stakeholder and bottom-up governance of the global Internet addressing system. “This means that there can no longer be any doubt that the Internet belongs to the world and is not under the control of any single government or special interest group,” said Mike Silber, a member of ICANN’s Board of Directors. “The very fact that I, as a citizen of South Africa serve on ICANN’s board, along with representatives from around the world speaks to the international diversity of this very unique organization.” “This new Affirmation marks an exciting new stage in ICANN’s development as a truly international entity and it confirms once and for all, that the ICANN model of public participation works, and works effectively” said Rod Beckstrom, ICANN Chief Executive Officer. “One world, one Internet, everyone connected – this is our goal at ICANN. This agreement gives international stakeholders an even more powerful voice in our activities moving forward.” “The Internet is global and it is critical that its governance reflect its international nature,” said Peter Dengate Thrush, a New Zealander who serves as ICANN’s Chairman of the Board. “Now we can clearly say that a new era of the Internationalization of the Internet has begun.” “This historic agreement is only one part of this internationalization process,” said Mike Silber. “Soon because of ICANN’s Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) program, all portions of an Internet domain name may be made-up of characters from almost any language. This will lead to a huge increase in Internet users from regions in the world, such as the Middle East or Asia, where people may not be using computer keyboards with Latin-based characters.” ### To read the Affirmation Agreement go here: http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-30sep09-en.htm#affirmati… To read the reactions of various business and government leaders go here: http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-30sep09-en.htm#reaction To see a videotaped interview with CEO Rod Beckstrom on the Affirmation Agreement go here: http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-30sep09-en.htm#video To learn more about ICANN’s Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) program go here: http://www.icann.org/en/topics/idn/factsheet-idn-program-05jun09.pdf *About ICANN:* To reach another person on the Internet you have to type a domain name of IP address into your computer. It has to be unique so computers know where to find each other. ICANN coordinates these unique identifiers across the world. Without that coordination we wouldn't have one global Internet. ICANN was formed in 1998. It is a not-for-profit public-benefit corporation with participants from all over the world dedicated to keeping the Internet secure, stable and interoperable. It promotes competition and develops policy on the Internet’s unique identifiers. ICANN doesn’t control content on the Internet. It cannot stop spam and it doesn’t deal with access to the Internet. But through its coordination role of the Internet’s naming system, it does have an important impact on the expansion and evolution of the Internet.* For more information please visit:** **www.icann.org*<http://www.icann.org/> *.* If you would rather not receive future communications from ICANN, let us know by clicking here.<http://ICANN.pr-optout.com/OptOut.aspx?523509x19831x2917x1x3696907x24000x6&…> ICANN, 4676 Admiralty Way Suite 330, Marina del Rey, CA 90292 United States _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann -- Brian Munyao Longwe e-mail: blongwe(a)gmail.com cell: + 254 722 518 744 blog : http://zinjlog.blogspot.com meta-blog: http://mashilingi.blogspot.com

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Re: [kictanet] [AfrICANN-discuss] FW: Internationalization of the Internet Marks Historic Agreement
by emko＠internetresearch.com.gh 30 Sep '09

30 Sep '09

Very loud applause..... Eric here > FYI > > [http://www.vocus.com/images/pr/icannheader2_logo.jpg] > FOR RELEASE: Immediate > > MEDIA CONTACTS: Mike Silber > ICANN Board Member > Bromhof, South Africa > Ph. +27 82 773 1288 > mike.silber(a)icann.org<mailto:[email protected]> > > Anne-Rachel Inne > ICANN Regional Manager for Africa > Niger, Africa > Ph. + 1 323 304 3420 > anne-rachel.inne(a)icann.org<mailto:[email protected]> > > > Internationalization of the Internet Marks Historic Agreement > > Washington, D.Câ¦ September 30, 2009â¦ ICANN has signed an historic > Affirmation Agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce that confirms > the effectiveness of the ICANN model of international multi-stakeholder > and bottom-up governance of the global Internet addressing system. > > âThis means that there can no longer be any doubt that the Internet > belongs to the world and is not under the control of any single government > or special interest group,â said Mike Silber, a member of ICANNâs > Board of Directors. âThe very fact that I, as a citizen of South Africa > serve on ICANNâs board, along with representatives from around the world > speaks to the international diversity of this very unique > organization.â > > âThis new Affirmation marks an exciting new stage in ICANNâs > development as a truly international entity and it confirms once and for > all, that the ICANN model of public participation works, and works > effectivelyâ said Rod Beckstrom, ICANN Chief Executive Officer. âOne > world, one Internet, everyone connected â this is our goal at ICANN. > This agreement gives international stakeholders an even more powerful > voice in our activities moving forward.â > > âThe Internet is global and it is critical that its governance reflect > its international nature,â said Peter Dengate Thrush, a New Zealander > who serves as ICANNâs Chairman of the Board. âNow we can clearly say > that a new era of the Internationalization of the Internet has begun.â > > âThis historic agreement is only one part of this internationalization > process,â said Mike Silber. âSoon because of ICANNâs > Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) program, all portions of an Internet > domain name may be made-up of characters from almost any language. This > will lead to a huge increase in Internet users from regions in the world, > such as the Middle East or Asia, where people may not be using computer > keyboards with Latin-based characters.â > > ### > > To read the Affirmation Agreement go here: > http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-30sep09-en.htm#affirmati… > > To read the reactions of various business and government leaders go here: > http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-30sep09-en.htm#reaction > > To see a videotaped interview with CEO Rod Beckstrom on the Affirmation > Agreement go here: > http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-30sep09-en.htm#video > > To learn more about ICANNâs Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) program > go here: > http://www.icann.org/en/topics/idn/factsheet-idn-program-05jun09.pdf > > > About ICANN: > > To reach another person on the Internet you have to type a domain name of > IP address into your computer. It has to be unique so computers know > where to find each other. ICANN coordinates these unique identifiers > across the world. Without that coordination we wouldn't have one global > Internet. ICANN was formed in 1998. It is a not-for-profit public-benefit > corporation with participants from all over the world dedicated to keeping > the Internet secure, stable and interoperable. It promotes competition and > develops policy on the Internetâs unique identifiers. ICANN doesnât > control content on the Internet. It cannot stop spam and it doesnât deal > with access to the Internet. But through its coordination role of the > Internetâs naming system, it does have an important impact on the > expansion and evolution of the Internet. For more information please > visit: www.icann.org<http://www.icann.org/>. > > > > If you would rather not receive future communications from ICANN, let us > know by clicking > here.<http://ICANN.pr-optout.com/OptOut.aspx?523509x19831x2917x1x3696907x24000x6&…> > ICANN, 4676 Admiralty Way Suite 330, Marina del Rey, CA 90292 United > States > _______________________________________________ > AfrICANN mailing list > AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net > https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann >

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ICANN JAA
by alice munyua 30 Sep '09

30 Sep '09

To read the Joint Affirmation Agreement go here: http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-30sep09-en.htm#affirmati…. To see a videotaped interview with CEO Rod Beckstrom discussing the Affirmation Agreement go here: http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-30sep09-en.htm#video

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(no subject)
by alice munyua 30 Sep '09

30 Sep '09

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FW: [Ubuntunet-alliance-community] Vacancies
by Edith Adera 30 Sep '09

30 Sep '09

It may be of interest.

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US 'to loosen' grip on internet
by alice 30 Sep '09

30 Sep '09

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8275679.stm * The US government is expected to relax control over how the internet is run when it signs an accord with net regulator Icann on Wednesday.* The "affirmation of commitments" will reportedly give Icann autonomy to run its own affairs for the first time. Previous agreements gave the US close oversight of Icann - drawing criticism from other countries. Earlier this year, the EU called on the US to relinquish its control and Icann to become "universally accountable". "The US government is the only body to have had formal oversight of Icann's policies and activities since its inception in 1998," it said. "The Commission believes that Icann should become universally accountable, not just to one government but to the global internet community. "This is particularly relevant given that the next billion of internet users will mainly come from the developing world." The current agreement between the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (Icann) and the US Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration is due to expire on Thursday. *'Formal relationship'* Icann is a not-for-profit private sector corporation - set up by the US government - which oversees critical parts of the internet, such as the top-level domain (TLD) name system. Top level domains include .com and .uk. The body recently voted to relax the strict rules on TLDs, meaning companies could turn brands into web addresses, while individuals could use their names. Icann also agreed to introduce domain names written in Asian, Arabic or other scripts. The regulator has not yet released details of the new agreement with the US. However, a report - described as "accurate" by people familiar with Icann - in the Economist magazine says the new deal does not have a fixed term. It identifies a number of groups, including representatives of foreign governments, which will conduct regular reviews of Icann's work. The panels would specifically focus on competition among generic domain names, how domain-name registrants' data are handled, network security and transparency, and accountability and the public interest - the only panel on which the US will reportedly retain a permanent seat. A formal announcement about the deal is expected on Wednesday. However, it is unlikely that the new agreement will sever the links between the US government and Icann entirely. Rod Beckstrom, president and chief of the organisation, said in a letter to Congress last week that it would seek to maintain a "long term, formal relationship with the United States Government". The body also has a separate agreement with the US - to run the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) - that expires in 2011. The IANA oversees the net's addressing system.

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