Competition Model Advisory Panel
Terms of Reference
This document is the Terms of Reference for the auDA Policy Advisory Panel Number 2, for the development of a Competition Model for the .au namespace.
Objective
auDA's objective is to develop the .au namespace in the interests of domain name users and the industry. A key component in delivering this objective is the implementation of competition in the provision of domain name services, to deliver the best result for:
- quality of service
- user choice
- lowest cost
In recommending the introduction of a particular competition model for the provision of .au domain name services, the Panel should take into account competition and industry specific principles.
General Competition Principles:
- fostering business efficiency, especially where this results in improved international competitiveness
- industry rationalisation resulting in more efficient allocation of resources and in lower or contained unit production costs
- industrial harmony
- improvements in the quality and safety of goods and services and expansion of consumer choice
- supply of better information to consumers and business to enable informed choice in their dealings
- promotion of equitable dealings in the market promotion of industry
- cost savings resulting in contained or lower prices at all levels of the supply chain equality of access and a level playing field for all who want to participate in the market
Industry Specific principles:
- The integrity of the .au TLD is paramount, and the introduction of competition must not interfere with a consistent view of .au domain names.
- Regulation & administration of the .au namespace is undertaken on a cost-recovery not-for-profit basis.
- Non-contestable elements of the domain name process must be justified, and operated in an industry-neutral manner.
- Contestable elements of the domain name process, and the introduction of competition must be commensurate with long term stability of the DNS
Activity
This Advisory Panel will develop a Model to be used to introduce competition in the provision of domain name services in the .au namespace. The panel will review how registries, registrars, and users operate and interact, including but not limited to issues of:
- single/multiple registries
- location and content of registry / registrar data
- access, ownership and IP of registry data
- communication between registry and registrar, and between Users and registry / registrar
- security
- transfer of users between registrars, including registrars who cease to operate
- service levels - quality and timeliness
- licensing and accreditation of registry / registrar
- barriers to entry
- dispute resolution between various levels
- equality of access
- registry and registrar fees
- continuing funding model for auDA
Outcome
The panel's operations will have multiple stages, with a separate report from each stage:
Stage 1: Define existing environment and scope, including the domain name
services provided by and used by entities
Stage 2: Review current
practices worldwide in other domains
Stage 3: Recommend a
competition model for .au
Stage 4. Provide a strategy for the
implementation of the model
Stage 1 and 2 may run concurrently.
Duration
The estimated timeline for the panel is subject to change. The current estimate is:
|
Elapsed Time |
Time |
Activity |
|
|
|
auDA board to confirm Terms of Reference |
|
2 weeks |
2 weeks |
Call for participants |
|
4 weeks |
2 weeks |
auDA board to confirm participants |
|
7 weeks |
3 weeks |
First meeting; confirm Panel operational procedures; start Stage 1 and Stage 2 |
|
11 weeks |
4 weeks |
Stage 1 Documentation Draft complete |
|
15 weeks |
8 weeks |
Stage 2 Draft complete; start Stage 3 |
|
23 weeks |
8 weeks |
Stage 3 Draft complete; start first public consultation period |
|
26 weeks |
3 weeks |
End first public consultation period; start Proposed report. |
|
28 weeks |
2 weeks |
End Proposed report; start second public consultation period |
|
30 weeks |
2 weeks |
End second public consultation period; start final Report |
|
32 weeks |
2 weeks |
Complete final Stage 3 report; submit to auDA board |
|
34 weeks |
2 weeks |
Stage 3 report approved by auDA board, commence Stage 4 |
|
36 weeks |
4 weeks |
Stage 4 complete |
|
51 weeks |
13 weeks |
Implementation |
Chair
The panel will have co-chairs; George Michaelson and another yet to be appointed.
Members
The panel should include representatives from all areas of the community including:
- Consumers
- General domain name users
- Registrars
- ISP & Web Hosting entities
- Government
Panel membership will be limited to 30. auDA will issue a general invitation via the auDA members and discussion lists to interested parties to participate in the panel.
Operations and budget
Members of the panel will determine their method of operation. auDA will provide email list server, web site including archived submissions provided to the panel, documentation of work, will arrange meeting venues, and provide teleconference support for meetings. auDA also plans to provide resources to enable a consultant to carry out a substantial part of Stage 2.
