New generic domain names could be delayed

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers' (ICANN's) implementation of a potentially unlimited list of new generic top level domain names (gTLDs) could be delayed, it has been claimed.

According to a leading industry analyst, ICANN's plan to introduce the new web address suffixes, which were planned for the first quarter of 2010, could be delayed until the second quarter.

DN Journal editor Ron Jackson said ICANN's timetable fails to take into account opposition from a number of high profile critics, including two Republicans.

A letter from Lamar Smith and Howard Coble cites a report from NextGov.com, which noted that the new internet address expansion programme proposed by ICANN will have "serious negative consequences".

The pair also raised concerns over the lack of pricing structure for the new gTLDs.

In related news, ICANN has come under fire from industry experts over its plans to restructure its Generic Names Supporting Organisation.