Commerce's NTIA Seeks Public Comments Regarding Joint Project Agreement with ICANN

For Immediate Release:  October 29, 2007
Media Contact:  Todd Sedmak, (202) 482-7002 or tsedmak@ntia.doc.gov

Los Angeles-Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced that it will consult with interested stakeholders regarding the mid-term review of the Joint Project Agreement (JPA) between the Department and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).  NTIA will soon release a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) requesting comments to be due February 15, 2008.

"It is important that all interested stakeholders have an opportunity to directly share their views on ICANN during the JPA mid-term review," said NTIA Administrator John M. R. Kneuer at ICANN's 30th meeting.  "We feel strongly that our review must be informed by your experiences with ICANN and perspectives regarding its evolution."

Kneuer also congratulated outgoing ICANN Chairman Vint Cerf on his tenure.  "Vint's technical expertise, business experience, and global stature have been exceptionally well suited to the unique enterprise that ICANN represents," said Kneuer.  "Over the course of the past eight years, ICANN's model of full participation by all interested stakeholders in decisions and policy making has progressively evolved and strengthened."

NTIA and ICANN signed the JPA on September 29, 2006.  The JPA has a three-year term and provides for the Department to conduct a mid-term review of the agreement.  The Department will consult with interested stakeholders to assist in conducting this mid-term review of ICANN's progress in meeting the responsibilities outlined in the JPA and by ICANN's Board.  When published, the full text of the NOI will be available online at www.ntia.doc.gov.

NTIA is responsible for the development of domestic and international telecommunications policy for the Executive Branch.

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