[Nro-comments] NRO FAQ

["Ray Plzak" <plzak@arin.net>]

Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions concerning the
Number Resource Organization.  This will also be available on the RIR
websites.

Raymond A. Plzak
President & CEO 
ARIN

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Frequently Asked Questions about the NRO MoU

1.  Why can't the RIRs and ICANN sit down and discuss their differences?

The RIRs and ICANN have been very actively engaged in discussions and
both parties have taken every opportunity to keep the dialogue open and
continuous.  These discussions have been constructive and productive and
have included face-to-face meetings as well as teleconferences.

2.  Why are the RIRs trying to replace ICANN?

The RIRs are firmly committed to ICANN and to its viability.  Within the
ICANN framework, the RIRs have two objectives which they see as of
paramount importance to the addressing community.

a. Protection of the unallocated number resource pool (IPv4, IPv6, and
ASN).  Access to the unallocated number resources pool by the RIRs is
controlled by global policy.

b. Protection of the policy development process so that policies cannot
be imposed top down on the community.  Neither the ICANN Board nor any
of the RIR Boards can impose policy.

3.  Does the NRO replace ICANN?

No.  One of the functions that the NRO is intended to provide is to
undertake if necessary those IANA functions that pertain to the
management of number resources.  The NRO is not being structured as a
potential 'complete' ICANN replacement in the event of failure of ICANN.
The consideration here was that in such an event it was considered
probable that the various IANA functions would be undertaken by those
with a direct interest in each particular functional area.

4.  Does the NRO replace the ASO?

No.  The NRO is a stand alone body that will negotiate the ASO MoU with
ICANN.  Upon implementation certain aspects of the NRO will become part
of the ASO.  For example, the NRO Numbers Council will become the ASO
Address Council.  Other aspects, such as the Executive Council will not
become part of the ASO but will continue to represent the RIRs acting in
concert.

5.  Why do we need another layer of bureaucracy?

We don't!  The NRO is not another layer of bureaucracy.  Within this
proposed framework the essential elements of interaction between the
RIRs and ICANN remain unaltered. ICANN continues to operate the
unallocated Internet number resource registries. The Board of ICANN has
the continued ability to ratify proposed global number resource
policies. An Address Council continues to undertake a role as a source
of advice to the Board of ICANN on Number Resource matters, as well as
shepherding proposed global address policies through ICANN for
ratification.

6.  If the NRO doesn't replace ICANN or the ASO or change anything in
the current structure, what does it do?
 
The NRO is an interface for organizations outside of the RIRs to
interface directly with them at a single point instead of dealing with
each RIR separately.  For example this allows ICANN to interact directly
on non policy items such as the ICANN budget and service contracts.
Currently, ICANN must deal with each individual RIR on items such as
this.  The NRO provides a similar interface for other organizations such
as the IETF on addressing issues that it may be considering.  The NRO
also provides a visible framework for existing cooperative joint
activities in which the RIRs are already engaged or may become engaged.
Such activities are the administration of upper level reverse DNS
domains or a common WHOIS.