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ICANN Mexico Meeting Briefing note
by alice 10 Mar '09

10 Mar '09

Mexico City Briefing Note Published 9 March 2009 A briefing note on the Mexico City meeting <http://mex.icann.org/briefing-note> of 1-6 March 2009 has been published. ICANN's 34th international public meeting was hosted by ICANN, the Mexican Internet Association (AMIPCI), the Network Information Center (NIC) Mexico, and the Internet Society (ISOC) Mexico. The briefing note summarizes key developments at the meeting and outlines next steps and sources of further information for each. The topics included are: * New generic Top Level Domains (gTLDs) * Internationalized Domain Names and the IDN Fast Track * Amendments to the Registrar Accreditation Agreement (RAA) * The Improving Institutional Confidence (IIC) consultation * GNSO Improvements * Independent Reviews * A summary of Board resolutions The briefing note is an informal summary. The authoritative records of official meetings will be available in their minutes. Further information about the meeting, including presentations and transcripts, is available at http://mex.icann.org/. Information about the next meeting which will be from 21-26 June 2008 in Sydney, Australia can be found at its dedicated website at http://syd.icann.org <http://syd.icann.org/>. *Related links: * Mexico City briefing note: http://mex.icann.org/briefing-note Mexico City meeting website: http://mex.icann.org/ Sydney meeting website: http://syd.icann.org <http://syd.icann.org/> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Sign up for ICANN's Monthly Magazine <http://www.icann.org/magazine/>* _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Re: [kictanet] [ke-internetusers] KICC LAN PROJECT SUCCESFULLY COMPLETED
by James Rege 09 Mar '09

09 Mar '09

Walu, you can say "funny" again, it has been completed on time and without any of those "fleecings". May I also join hands with others in saying congratulation to everybody who had a hand in the project? As we are all trying very hard to prove a point that ict is the way and will assist all sectors in reducing graft, it would have been sad if the project had failed for one reason or the other. I only wish the late Dr Juma Okech was around to have a champaign in celebration. Lucy did you have a chance to add wifi for the geeks - those who rome the corridors with lap tops on their left/right hands and typing with the other? Congrats James Rege On Mar 6, 2009, at 3:09 PM, John Walubengo wrote: > > hey Lucy, > > I have been wanting to comment on this ICT Board project but hadnt > just gotten the minute...until now. > > I think the completion of your Infrastructure Project at KICC is > commendable in several ways. > > Firstly, it is rare for Govt projects to be completed on time, > within budget and hopefully expected quality standards. Particularly > in .KE where we have poor track record for ICT projects (ref: Anglo- > fleecing, et al) > > Secondly, it is rare for Govt Depts to be open about the same > (projects) - even if for it is for purposes of benchmarking and/or > lessons learnt. (Secrecy Act applies?) > > Funny, I just realized that as Kenyans we have been so numbed by > scandals that when a Project is "above board"/"open"- we fail to > notice that flicker of hope that all is not lost. That maybe there > are some "civil-servants" who want to make a change in their own > little ways. And that they should be encouraged and their lessons > shared precisely because they are a minority. Their little successes > should be celebrated because only then, can we built that critical > mass of civil servants that will begin to change the way Govt > thinks, behaves and responds to its 21st century Netizens. > > walu. > > > > --- On Fri, 2/20/09, Lucy Odhiambo <lodhiambo(a)ict.go.ke> wrote: > >> From: Lucy Odhiambo <lodhiambo(a)ict.go.ke> >> Subject: [ke-internetusers] KICC LAN PROJECT SUCCESFULLY COMPLETED >> To: kictanet(a)lists.kictanet.or.ke >> Cc: ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net >> Date: Friday, February 20, 2009, 6:21 PM >> Dear All, >> >> >> >> We are pleased to inform you that Kenya ICT Board and the >> E- Government >> directorate initiative has successfully completed >> installation of the much >> anticipated connectivity project at the Kenyatta >> International Conference >> Center. Sponsored and implemented by the two key >> stakeholders, the project >> has seen the set up of a secure Local Area Network; with >> infrastructure laid >> across the entire KICC premises. >> >> >> >> The network will be centrally managed and maintained on an >> inclusive IT >> system with connectivity to both the internet and the >> Government Common Core >> Network (GCCN). It is supported on a fiber optic backbone >> that was rolled >> out as part of the project and completed under the guidance >> of a team >> comprising experts from the Board among other stakeholder >> organizations. >> KICC has for a long time stood out as a key government >> owned building that >> does not have its own local area network and access to the >> Government WAN >> (wide area network.) >> >> >> >> This project is a milestone achievement as it realizes >> connectivity of all >> government offices to an overall network (comprising all >> other ministries >> and selected departments) allowing seamless and secure >> communication and >> file sharing. >> >> The project will be commissioned next week and we will keep >> you informed on >> the details. >> >> >> >> We congratulate the team that made this project a success - >> lead by Victor >> Kyalo and George Otieno from the board and the late Dr. >> Juma Oketch , >> Elijah Liech and the E-Government Directorate team. >> >> I have attached the project charter to give you some >> background on the >> project. >> >> >> >> >> >> Lucy Gachui Odhiambo >> >> Communications Manager >> >> Kenya ICT Board >> >> 12th Floor Telposta Towers >> >> Koinange Lane >> >> PO Box 27150 - 00100 >> Nairobi, Kenya >> >> Cell 0737- 839047 >> >> Tel: 254-020-2093040 >> >> <http://www.ict.go.ke> www.ict.go.ke >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> ke-internetusers mailing list >> ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net >> http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers > > > > _______________________________________________ > ke-internetusers mailing list > ke-internetusers(a)bdix.net > http://www.bdix.net/mailman/listinfo/ke-internetusers

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Community Comment Invited on Petition To Form A New GNSO CyberSafety Constituency
by alice＠apc.org 06 Mar '09

06 Mar '09

Community Comment Invited on Petition To Form A New GNSO CyberSafety Constituency 5 March 2009 The ongoing GNSO Improvements process has created significant community interest in the formation of new GNSO constituencies and several groups have stepped forward to begin the process of forming a new GNSO constituency. The ICANN Board has now received its first formal petition - from the prospective CyberSafety Constituency. All members of the ICANN community and the public are now invited to review the petition and charter of the CyberSafety Constituency and share comments with the Board through 5 April 2009. Background and Explanation: In June 2008, the Board of Directors endorsed a series of recommendations on how to improve the GNSOs structures and operations. One of the significant drivers of those recommendations was an interest in maximizing participation in the GNSO and its policy development processes. Among the various recommendations endorsed by the Board was that ICANN take steps to clarify and promote the option to self-form new constituencies. The current ICANN Bylaws provide that any group of individuals or entities may petition the Board for recognition as a new or separate constituency, in accordance with Section 5(4) of Article X. Such a petition must explain (1) why the addition of such a Constituency will improve the ability of the GNSO to carry out its policy-development responsibilities and (2) why the proposed new Constituency would adequately represent, on a global basis, the stakeholders it seeks to represent. Despite those Bylaw provisions, it has been many years since the organization has had a formal request for a new constituency. Since the Board action last June, however, the ICANN Staff has received inquiries from several interested parties about how to form a new GNSO constituency. The ICANN bylaws do not provide specific procedural guidance for how interested parties should submit the petitions contemplated in Article X. Mindful that explicit steps, formats, and/or processes for expansion would take some time for the community to develop in the implementation of the improvements recommendations, the Board directed ICANN Staff to provide the community with some initial guidance, a structure and a specific procedural path for potential new constituencies to follow. At its 1 October meeting, the Board acknowledged Staff's development of a "Notice of Intent" document for potential new constituencies and directed Staff to develop a formal petition and charter template to assist new constituency applicants in satisfying the formative criteria (consistent with the ICANN Bylaws) to facilitate the Board's evaluation of petitions to form new constituencies. The process subsequently developed by the Staff required interested groups to first submit a Notice of Intent to Form New Constituency (NOIF) [DOC, 148K]. The proponent of the CyberSafety Constituency completed that first step on 20 October 2008. The second step of the process is development of a New Constituency Petition and Charter. The proponent of the CyberSafety Constituency completed that effort on 23 February 2009. Relevant Board Resolution, Bylaws and Constituency Submissions: Minutes of 1 October 2008 ICANN Board Meeting: http://www.icann.org/en/minutes/minutes-01oct08.htm ICANN Bylaws Article X, Section 5, Subsection 4: http://www.icann.org/en/general/bylaws.htm - X-5.1 Copies of the CyberSafety Constituency Petition Documents: o CyberSafety Introduction Letter to Petition and Charter Document [PDF, 10K] o CyberSafety Constituency Petition and Charter (23 Feb 2009-Redacted) [PDF, 94K] The Process From Here: At the end of this Public Comment Forum period, the ICANN Staff will provide a summary/analysis of the comments submitted regarding the CyberSafety Constituency petition and charter. That summary/analysis will be shared with the community and the Board. The Board will ultimately make the decision on whether to authorize the new constituency. It should be noted that the GNSO Improvements Report approved by the Board in June 2008 has additional guidelines and recommendations for the ongoing practices and processes of GNSO constituencies. It is expected that this work will be ongoing as part of the GNSO Improvements implementation efforts. Deadline and How to Submit Comments: The Staff is opening a 30-day public consultation forum, from 5 March 2009 through 5 April 2009, and invites community comments on this matter. This particular comment period is slightly longer than 30-days because the period is tolled while International ICANN meetings are in session. The formal Public Comment Forum Box is located here: http://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/public-comment-200904.html#cybersafe… To submit comments: cyber-safety-petition(a)icann.org To view comments (including the various constituency submissions): http://forum.icann.org/lists/cyber-safety-petition/ Staff Responsible: Robert Hoggarth _______________________________________________

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ICANN Meeting Sydney
by alice＠apc.org 06 Mar '09

06 Mar '09

http://syd.icann.org/ The page is up and registration opened. As you may remember the fellowship programme application round is ongoing and deadline for applications is 9 March 2009. best alice

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New gTLDs Preliminary Reports on Competition and Pricing
by alice＠apc.org 06 Mar '09

06 Mar '09

New gTLDs Preliminary Reports on Competition and Pricing 4 March 2009 Mexico City, Mexico An important element of ICANNs consideration of the introduction of new gTLDs is consumer benefit as well as pricing issues. ICANN commissioned an independent third-party report and retained Dennis Carlton, who is a Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago and who, from 2006 to 2008, was the highest-ranking economist in the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. Professor Carlton also is a Senior Managing Director of Compass Lexecon, a prestigious economic consulting firm that specializes in competition matters. Professor Carlton has prepared two preliminary reports relating to the introduction of new gTLDs. In one report Preliminary Report of Dennis Carlton Regarding Impact of New gTLDs on Consumer Welfare, [PDF, 160K] Professor Carlton states: I conclude that ICANNs proposed framework for introducing new TLDs is likely to improve consumer welfare by facilitating entry and creating new competition to the major gTLDs such as .com, .net, and .org. Like other actions that remove artificial restrictions on entry, the likely effect of ICANNs proposal is to increase output, lower price and increase innovation. This conclusion is based on the fundamental principles that competition promotes consumer welfare and restrictions on entry impede competition. The other report, Preliminary Analysis of Dennis Carlton Regarding Price Caps for New gTLD Internet Registries, [PDF, 60K] addresses pricing issues associated with new TLDs. He concludes as follows: I conclude that price caps or ceilings on prices charged by operators of new gTLD registries are unnecessary to insure competitive benefits of the proposed process for introducing new gTLDs. I further conclude that imposing price caps on the registries for new gTLDs could inhibit the development and marketplace acceptance of new gTLDs by limiting the pricing flexibility of entrants to the provision of new registry services without generating significant benefits to registrants of the new gTLDs. ICANN encourages the community to read both reports. A public comment forum has been opened on these preliminary reports prepared by Professor Carlton for 45 days, until 17 April 2009. The complete Preliminary Reports and Public Comment Forum can be found at: http://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/public-comment-200904.html#compri New GTLDs and the Internet Openness Change Innovation After years of discussion and thought, new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) are being expanded. They will allow for more innovation, choice and change to a global Internet presently served by only 21 generic top-level domain names. As a not-for profit corporation dedicated to coordinating the Internet's addressing system, ICANN is not doing this to add to its revenue. An implementation plan is being developed with opportunities for public comment. There will be processes for objections. There has also been detailed technical scrutiny to ensure the Internet's stability and security. There will be an evaluation fee but it will recover costs only (expenses so far, application processing and anticipated legal costs). Promoting competition and choice is one of the principles upon which ICANN was founded. In a world with 1.5 billion Internet users (and growing), diversity, choice and innovation are key. The Internet has supported huge increases in choice, innovation and the competition of ideas, and expanding new gTLDs is an opportunity for more. Media Contacts: Brad White Director of Media Affairs Corporate Affairs ICANN Ph: +1.202.429.2710 E: brad.white(a)icann.org International: Andrew Robertson Edelman (London) Ph: +44 7921 588 770 E: andrew.robertson(a)edelman.com Related Links and Resources: New gTLD Program Summary and Analysis of First Draft Applicant Guidebook Public Comments _______________________________________________

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TEAMS Map
by Dorcas Muthoni 05 Mar '09

05 Mar '09

Where can i get the TEAMS (The East African Marine System) map showing all the landing points. Would appreciate to know the current progress status as well. I have information that Alcatel-Lucent have announced that laying of the cable should be complete in the second quarter of 2009. More information suggests that date of first use is due April 2009. Any further updates are most welcome. -- Muthoni My Blog: http://rugongo.blogspot.com/ -------------------------------------------- Mahatma Gandhi once said:- First they ignore you, Then they laugh at you, Then they fight you, AND THEN YOU WIN!!!

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Day 2 of 10:-KCA 2008-Broadcasting-The Bad
by John Walubengo 04 Mar '09

04 Mar '09

Looks like Day 1 on the good aspect of the Broadcasting Section was too quiet. I am not sure if that is because there is nothing good about it or maybe fatigue has just kicked in. Either way, today we want to review the so called bad aspects. They have been in the press/public domain for the last 4weeks but here is my take of the top three. 1. that the retained 'draconian' clause 88 gives unrestricted powers to the two ministers (Internal Security and Information Ministers) and their regulatory (CCK) appointees. These Powers enable them to declare an emergency and raid media houses. The beef is that these powers are likely to be abused particularly because of the heavy Govt composition of the Regulatory Authorities who would likely serve their appointing authority (Executive) rather than the common good (Public) 2. that the Content Regulation (Programming Code) aspects is also flawed in that it is ONLY the Information Minister and his appointees who can decide what is prohibited and what is not, what should go on air and at what time. 3. that a Signal Distribution Monopoly would be enforced given that current broadcasters would need to channel their transmission through a licensed signal distributor i.e. dismantle their current distribution infrastructure in the likely event that they are not the designated signal distributor. Any more? Feel free to clarify as well where I may have errored in the interpretation. Tomorrow we shall look at the proposed interventions once we are agreed on the problems/issues. walu.

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(no subject)
by Geoffrey Shimanyula 03 Mar '09

03 Mar '09

Regards, Geoffrey Shimanyula Chief Executive Officer One Communications Limited Onecom House Waiyaki Way (Church Road Junction) P.O. Box 13651 - 00800, Westlands, Nairobi KENYA Tel: +254 20 2306678 Fax: +254 20 4440123 Mobile:+254 722 530188 Email: gshimanyula(a)onecom.co.ke

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ICANN's President and CEO Announces Departure
by alice＠apc.org 02 Mar '09

02 Mar '09

ICANN's President and CEO Announces Departure 2 March 2009 Mexico City, Mexico 2 March 2009 Founders and leaders of the Internet today praised the achievements of Dr Paul Twomey, the President and Chief Executive Officer of ICANN, after learning that Twomey had advised ICANN's Board of Directors that he will not seek renewal of his contract and will move on from ICANN at the end of 2009. Twomey announced his decision at the opening session of ICANN's 34th International Public Meeting in Mexico City, which has drawn more than 1,200 attendees from every corner of the globe. "Last year, I told the Board that I did not want to renew my contract as President and CEO for another 3 year term," said Twomey. "While I am deeply and personally committed to ICANN and its success, I think this is the right time for me to move on to another leadership position in the private or international sectors." Twomey was named CEO and President in 2003, after serving, for 4 years, as the Chairman of ICANN's Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC). He oversaw the phenomenal growth of an organization that has become the primary coordinator of the Internet's global address system. "I'm delighted to have taken part in building ICANN's role in assuring a stable and secure Internet," said Twomey. "The Board has asked me to stay on after it appoints a successor to have a period of handover with the new appointee. During this transition period I shall be appointed to the new position of Senior President." "Paul Twomey has made an extraordinary contribution to ICANN" said Peter Dengate Thrush, Chairman of the Board. "He was involved in its set up, helped establish the role of governments in his term as founding chair of the GAC, and then was its longest serving CEO. He guided the organization through the World Summit on the Information Society in 2005 and has been one of the strongest and most persuasive advocates for the multi-stakeholder model of Internet governance" Upon learning of Twomey's decision to step down, some of the most significant leaders in the Internet community praised his work. Vint Cerf, known as the Father of the Internet and 8 year Chairman of the ICANN Board said "I can think of no other person who has had more influence on the course of ICANN's evolution than Paul. We owe him a great debt for long and faithful service and I owe him personal thanks for his counsel during my time on the Board. The Board will be challenged to find a worthy and capable successor." Lynn St Amour, the CEO of the Internet Society (ISOC) commented "During his tenure, ICANN has become a stronger organization and, as a key element of the Internet ecosystem, has ensured the security and stability of the Domain Name System. The Internet Society extends its appreciation to Dr. Twomey for his service and dedication to ICANN and its communities. We look forward to working with him on major issues over the remainder of this year" she said. Egypt's Minister of Information and Communications, Tarek Kamel also thanked Twomey for his many contributions. "We were happy in Egypt and the developing world to work together with an outstanding person like Paul Twomey in Internet Governance issues. He was always trying to bring some balance to the global Internet policy dialogue," said Kamel. "Egypt was also delighted to host successful ICANN meetings during his term. We thank him for his contributions and wish him further luck in his career." Dengate Thrush said the board was delighted to be able to retain Twomey's unique skills until the end of the year. "This is a momentous year for ICANN, and it is good that we will be able to continue with business as usual. " Twomey agreed his announcement will not be a distraction from ICANN's ongoing work and its international meeting being held this week in Mexico. "I'm looking forward to this week's discussions on a range of issues that will affect current Internet users and the billions still to come" he said. ## Paul Twomey's biographical information can be found at: http://www.icann.org/en/biog/twomey.htm The complete schedule for ICANN's 34th International Public Meeting in Mexico City, as well as links to webcast sessions and our public participation website, can be found at: http://mex.icann.org. About ICANN: To reach another person on the Internet you have to type an address into your computer - a name or a number. That address 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. Contacts: Brad White Director of Media Affairs Ph. +52 55 181 68619 E: brad.white(a)icann.org Andrew Robertson, Edelman PR Ph: +44 7921 588 770 E: andrew.robertson(a)edelman.com _______________________________________________ AfrICANN mailing list AfrICANN(a)afrinic.net https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo.cgi/africann

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Kenya: Good Mobile Access Fails To Boost Weak Connectivity Rating 2009
by alice 28 Feb '09

28 Feb '09

Its a new way of measuring connectivity do you agree with the verdict on Kenya? <http://www.connectivityscorecard.org/countries/kenya> Good Mobile Access Fails To Boost Weak Connectivity Rating Kenya’s performance on the 2009 Connectivity Scorecard places it nearly at the bottom of the nations sampled. In almost every consumer and business measure of connectivity, Kenya failed to achieve a passing score. Exceptions include an above average proportion of the population provided with mobile access, and a relatively high literacy rate. Kenya displays one of the worst secondary school enrolment rates out of all the countries surveyed, along with weak broadband and internet penetration. Bandwidth availability is also quite low. Kenya’s E-Government ranking falls below the median. Despite a history of innovation, notably in the mobile segment, Kenya’s economic progress is held back by a lack of investment in human development in order to provide workers with the skills necessary to drive an ICT-based economy. Regulation of the telecommunications sector has also slowed development of the broadband services required to create a more sophisticated business infrastructure. Kenya Connectivity Performance by Scorecard Component

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