Bombim’s $15 Promise

In PinoyBlog.Com, PHNET’s Bombim Cadiz had this to say to a challenged made to the AdBoard and CICT to prove that the PH Domain Guidelines will reduce the price of domain name registrations:
Should the PHccTLD be redelegated to PHNET, PHNET will offer a PHccTLD registration at USD15/year and not force anyone to register for 2 years if it becomes the PHccTLD Registry.
Looks good, Bombim.  I can’t help but wonder how PHNET plans to keep that promise.  After all, there are expenses to be recouped.

First, the new delegee would be contractually bound to give financial support to ICANN.  This means that on an annual basis, PHNET would give its share of the $5.5 million needed by ICANN. 

Second,  the Guidelines will require PHNET to build a Shared Registry System.  They don’t have one yet so they’ll build it from scratch.  From what I remember, Bombim said they’ll just outsource it.  How much would that cost and how much would it cost to run it?

Third, “transparent governance” has its price.  People can’t be expected to work for free.  Directors need to be paid, etc. Plus, there are those international conferences affecting ccTLDs that require attendance.  AUDA, the registry for the AU domain (Australia) spent over AU$1.7 million for 2004. 

So, while I welcome Bombim’s promise, I must say the devil’s in the details.