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Icann gets US government seal of approval

By Felicity Ussher

Published: 25 November 1998 12:07 GMT

The US government has approved the Internet's new ruling body, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (Icann).

In a memorandum of understanding, the two parties have agreed to develop a framework for competition between domain name registrars. Network Solutions (NSI) - a government agent - currently holds a monopoly on the .com, .edu and .net addresses.

Icann will ensure that NSI's resources are shared with potential competitors and will consider expanding Web addresses to include .firm, .shop, .arts, .rec, .info and .nom domains.

The agreement was reached after Icann - which represents industry - pledged to introduce new bylaws in the spirit of greater openness and accountability.

A fully competitive domain name system is now scheduled for October 1999.

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