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Follow on Google News |  DotConnectAfrica OPEN Letter to US Department of CommerceDotConnectAfrica has sent an open letter to the NTIA making a preliminary case for the .africa gTLD
To: Ms. Fiona M. Alexander Associate Administrator Office of International Affairs National Information Telecommunications and Administration US Department of Commerce Washington DC, USA cc: Peter Dengate-Thrush, Chairman Internet Corporation for Assigned Names & Numbers (ICANN) Rod Beckstrom, Chief Executive Officer Internet Corporation for Assigned Names & Numbers (ICANN) Dear Ms. Alexander: Re: Open Letter for NITA - A preliminary case for an urgent need for .africa gTLD Please find below is the transcript of the DotConnectAfrica (DCA) oral statement presented to the ICANN’s public forum, recently held in Cartegena, Colombia. The case for branding Africa, and the resulting consumer benefits and jobs creation is highlighted. In addition, DCA wants to appraise NTIA of our view that the current process developed by ICANN for new gTLDs is fair and transparent and that due consideration has been given for the protection of trademark interests. We believe further delay of the new gTLD process will directly /or indirectly have a damaging effect on the benefits from Internet-based business and economic activities in the continent and the communities involved. I hope that NTIA will take DCA’s views into account in its further interactions with ICANN regarding the progress and final rules for the new gTLD program. I would be happy to discuss this matter with you further at your convenience. Sincerely, Sbekele Ms. Sophia Bekele, B.S., M.B.A., C.I.S.A, C.C.S, CGEIT Executive Director (.Africa) Ex. gTLD Policy Advisor to ICANN (2005-07) sbekele@dotconnectafrica.org www.dotconnectafrica.org __________________________________ Greeting Mr. Chair, Distinguished Board and Participants. A great thank you, also to the local hosts and organizers of this meeting. It has gone all well. My name is Sophia Bekele and I represent DotConnectAfrica (DCA), an organization that is applying for the .africa gTLD in the next round of application, also we have been championing the .africa TLD all over Africa. Most of you here have recognized our activities through our regular press releases and distributions on facebook and twitter. (Not to advertise here of course) but those who want to know us, can find us there. While I stand here in front of you, ladies & gentleman to express like most, not to delay the application process, (also being careful not to ask for an exception for Africa), I want to say why the Africa continent needs it most! DCA has championed .africa for Africa anchored on 3 key principles. 1- To brand the Continent‘s product and services so people will know what Africa doesand the positives that Africa has to offer. While Africa’s image has suffered thru war, famine and governance issues, there is also another image that the world does not know about Africa, and that can be told through its people when they engage in promoting their products & services for trade and investment in the new gTLD. This is also quite in line with the current US administration’ 2- DotConnectAfrica has created “generation.africa” 3- A shift in industry from US market of .com and .org to Africa empowered by the dotafrica registry to Africa, which is to be housed locally in the continent. This will mean development of new industry and market for Africa empowering African jobs and wealth creation. So that Africa does not have to come to ICANN for financial support, like the community gtlds. Dotafrica registry can instead fulfill that need, and this DCA has announced at the Brussels meeting. So these are very powerful and compelling reasons for Africa to need this gtld. In fact, this is our economic study for ICANN that can be used as input, we shall need no more. So ICANN should continue with its commitment with new gtlds, as soon as possible. Finally, DCA has promised generation.africa to take them to this Promised Land, but Africa cannot get there, without ICANN first taking ALL OF US to that Promised Land. Africa has already missed the boat in the last many rounds; but have seen the successes of .eu and then .asia, and now it is time for .africa Associated press release for Cartegena Statement : http://www.prlog.org/ About DotConnectAfrica: DotConnectAfrica (DCA) is a not-for-profit, non-partisan organization incorporated in Mauritius Africa, with Reg ID. CT8710DCA90, and will sponsor, establish and operate a TLD registry with global recognition and regional significance dedicated to the needs of the Pan-African and African community inspired to come to fruition to coordinate the implementation of the .Africa initiative. At the same time, to address the lack of adequate internet policy in Africa and and acknowledgment of the impact of the policy in widening the gaps of the digital divide. DCA seeks to assist in the strategic coordination of government internet policies, establish policy priorities, offer new policy choices, and ensure that the implications of internet policy options are fully considered. DCA profile: http://biz.prlog.org/ Original letter: http://www.scribd.com/ DCA has also recently in September 2010 spent much of its activities in Lobbying in Washington for the same. Related Press release: http://prlog.org/ # # # DCA is a not-for-profit, non-partisan org incorporated in Mauritius Africa & will sponsor, establish & operate a TLD registry with global recognition & regional significance dedicated to the needs of Pan-African &African community. DCA Reg.ID.CT8710DCA90 End
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