Registry Services Evaluation Policy
RSEP is the acronym for Registry Services Evaluation Process which is a set of protocols designed to screen and approve proposals made by gTLD operators for new registry services. RSEP was created through ICANNs consensus for policy development process.[1]
In order to submit a request for the implementation of new Registry Services, all gTLDs must take into account RSEP's provisions. The RSEP is required by ICANN in order to make sure that no significant competition issues are raised .
RSEP request assessment
When determining whether the RSEP request could raise significant competition issues, a review is necessary. The stages and steps followed are listed below:
- The General Council reviews the request for determining whether the RSEP request could raise significant competition issues. The following factors are taken into consideration:
- The pricing influence over the price of registry service;
- Market issues: identification of the market which could be affected, and the effects of the change;
- Allocation issues
- Impact on other markets
- Preliminary determination on competition issues by the General Council
- If no competitions issues are determined, the competition review is considered complete.
- If there are significant competition issues determined by ICANN or RSEP request, the appropriate competition authority will be contacted and the jurisdiction applied.[2]
Registry Services
The registry services which are proposed based on RSEP requests are defined as:
- Services which are critical for the RIR (Regional Internet Registry) to perform tasks related to registrations of domain names, registrars and other related issues.
- Other services and products that the RIR must provide based on the consensus policy adopted.
- Services which only that specific RIR is able to provide. [3]