The launch timeline for new gTLDs that was approved by the ICANN Board at its last meeting (October 28) shows November 9 as the publication date for the latest version of the DAG.
That timeline itself is a significant document, as it provides for clear dates all the way up to the actual launch of the first round of new gTLD applications.
Key dates would be:
- December 10, 2010, when the Board would approve this latest version of the DAG as final,
- January 11, 2011, when ICANN would start its global communications campaign, and,
- May 30, 2011, when the first round would be launched.
So today we get to see if this timeline is to be believed. At the time of writing, still morning in Europe so middle of the night in the US, it's a little early for anything to have been released. But if the DAGv5 does indeed appear today, the Board would then be in a position to approve the AG at its Cartagena meeting, following the mandatory minimum one-month comment period.
If DAGv5 is even a single day late, that could delay the process.
I guess we'll know in a few hours' time...
So to coin a famous English TV catch phrase: "until then, keep 'em peeled!"
