The Expression Of Interest (EOI) model was up for consideration at the ICANN Board's February 4th meeting, but ended up being pushed back until Nairobi.

ICANN's Governmental Advisory Committee was amongst those calling for more time before any decision be taken on the EOI.

The proposed EOI model would make it compulsory for those wishing to apply for a new gTLD in the first round (currently expected to open in 2011). An EOI fee of USD 55,000 would be applied, and deducted from the USD 185,000 applicants would be required to pay in the first round.

During its February 4th meeting, the Board committed to an EOI decision at its next meeting, to be held in Nairobi in March.