'''Vertical Integration''' ('''VI''', or '''Cross Ownership''') is a business structure in which the various functions of the [[Registry]] Operator and the [[Registrar]] are handled by a single body. This single body is either owned or is under supervision of the same company that supports the specific [[gTLD]]; alternatively, the controlling body can be a partnered company that is given the contract of the gTLD. The Registry Operator is not required to provide equivalent access and non-discriminatory access to non-affiliated registrars to sell names under its gTLD.<ref name="link2">[https://community.icann.org/display/gnsovertint/Phase+I+Interim+Report+Vertical+Integration+Final+9+November+2010+pdf Phase I Interim Report Vertical Integration], ICANN.org. Published 9 November 2010.</ref> | '''Vertical Integration''' ('''VI''', or '''Cross Ownership''') is a business structure in which the various functions of the [[Registry]] Operator and the [[Registrar]] are handled by a single body. This single body is either owned or is under supervision of the same company that supports the specific [[gTLD]]; alternatively, the controlling body can be a partnered company that is given the contract of the gTLD. The Registry Operator is not required to provide equivalent access and non-discriminatory access to non-affiliated registrars to sell names under its gTLD.<ref name="link2">[https://community.icann.org/display/gnsovertint/Phase+I+Interim+Report+Vertical+Integration+Final+9+November+2010+pdf Phase I Interim Report Vertical Integration], ICANN.org. Published 9 November 2010.</ref> |