The new gTLDs will effectively allow the creation of any TLD with up to 64 characters, generic words, brand names, regional suffixes, allowing owners to become domain registries. According to the CEO, this will open up the domain "naming system to unleash the global human imagination," . This development will also provide owners with the rights to create top level domain names in any script or language. Applications for gTLDs will be accepted from 12 January to 12 April 2012. There are currently only 22 generic top level domains, which are .com, .int, .edu, .mil, .net, .org, .arpa, .info, ,museum, .name, .pro, .asia, .cat. .jobs. .mobi. .post . biz, .tel .coop, .travel. .tel, gov. With this new development, there is likely to be several hundred new generic top-level domain names which could include such addresses as . bank, .hotel. .shop, .coke, . africa, .nairobi, among others. It will cost US$185,000 to apply among other requirements, like technical standards, etc a price that rich global organizations will be willing to pay to maximize their presence on the internet. Too expensive? Yes particularly for developing countries with the same needs to not only increase our presence on the internet but for some to protect against trademark infringement dot.mpesa anyone? During the ICANN meeting in Nairobi, the Government Advisory committee (GAC) had advised the board to initiate a process that would see provisions made to support needy applicants and applications from developing countries. The Joint SO/AC New gTLD Applicant Support Working Group was set up with the main objective to develop a sustainable approach in providing support to applicants requiring assistance in applying for and operating new gTLDs Registries. This group have recommended a number of innovative approaches that are currently under consideration by ICANN community including the government advisory committee. Yesterday's resolution included a "program to ensure support for applicants from developing countries, with a form, structure and processes to be determined by the Board in consultation with stakeholders including: (a) consideration of the GAC recommendation for a fee waiver corresponding to 76 percent of the $185,000 USD evaluation fee, (b) consideration of recommendations of the ALAC and GNSO as chartering organizations of the Joint Applicant Support (JAS) Working Group, (c) designation of a budget of up to $2 million USD for seed funding, and creating opportunities for other parties to provide matching funds.........Final Report from the JAS Working Group (requested in time to allow staff to develop an implementation plan for the Board’s consideration at its October 2011 meeting in Dakar, Senegal), with the goal of having a sustainable applicant support system in place before the opening of the application window"; More on this later Very best Alice