Nominet, the .uk domain name registry, and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) today announced two major steps towards closer co-operation.

A non-contractual exchange of letters defining a working framework for Nominet and ICANN will create a more stable relationship between the two organisations, acknowledging that Nominet continues to be fully responsible for all matters concerning .uk domain name policy. Nominet will also be joining ICANN’s country code Names Support Organisation (ccNSO) to ensure that the .uk domain name space is represented in the global Internet arena. Nominet will be the largest registry to join the ccNSO since it was established.

Lesley Cowley, Nominet’s Chief Executive said, “We have been encouraged by the steps that ICANN has taken recently to improve its models of engagement with the Internet community. Whilst there is still work to do, we are confident that it is moving in the right direction and are keen to provide support.”

Paul Twomey, ICANN’s President and CEO said, “ICANN welcomes the exchange of letters with Nominet as one of a number of potential models for accountability frameworks. ICANN’s new Accountability Framework programme streamlines the process of formalising relationships with the organisation and ccTLD managers are responding favourably. We also welcome Nominet’s application to join the ccNSO which will enhance European membership.”

Chris Disspain, Chair of the ccNSO said, “The ccNSO members look forward to working with Nominet. Nominet is a well regarded registry, which engages positively in international dialogue.”

For more information, please contact:
Katy Ludditt/Cathy Baker/Patrick Southwell
Band & Brown
(t) 020 7419 7000
(e) nominet@bbpr.com

About Nominet
Nominet UK is the national registry for all Internet domain names ending in .uk. Its purpose is the careful and impartial management of this central database, providing stability, security and accessibility for all users of .uk domain names. Nominet is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. It has members not shareholders, pays no dividends and its charges only cover its running costs. Anyone with an interest in the Internet may become a member. Nominet has over 2,800 members representing all areas of the Internet industry and is recognised as the .uk domain name registry by the Internet industry and the UK government. It is not a governing or regulatory body, but provides a public service for the .uk namespace on behalf of the UK Internet community.
For more information, visit www.nominet.org.uk

About ICANN
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is an internationally organised, non-profit corporation that has responsibility for Internet Protocol (IP) address space allocation, protocol identifier assignment, generic (gTLD) and country code (ccTLD) Top-Level Domain name system management, and root server system management functions. As a private-public partnership, ICANN is dedicated to preserving the operational stability of the Internet; to promoting competition; to achieving broad representation of global Internet communities; and to developing policy appropriate to its mission through bottom-up, consensus-based processes.

About ccNSO
The Country Code Names Supporting Organization (ccNSO) of ICANN is the policy development body for a narrow range of global ccTLD issues within the ICANN structure. It is established under the bylaws of ICANN. It is responsible for developing and recommending to the Board global policies relating to countrycode top-level domains, nurturing consensus across the ccNSO's community, including the name-related activities of ccTLDs, and coordinating with other ICANN Supporting Organizations, committees, and constituencies under ICANN.