The Registry Service Provider (RSP) Handbook describes the evaluation process for RSPs to become qualified to offer services for new generic top-level domain (gTLD) applicants through the New gTLD Program: Next Round. The handbook guides potential RSP applicants through the RSP evaluation process, offering information on the requirements to operate an RSP, timelines and expectations of evaluation and testing, and criteria and eligibility for RSP applicants.
The RSP Handbook version 1.2.2 can be found here.
The RSP Handbook and the RSP Application Fee were approved by the ICANN Board of Directors on 28 June 2024.
Changes from version 1.2.1:
- Question DNS.5.14 of the technical questionnaire incorrectly referenced RFC 6186. The correct RFC is RFC 6168.
The RSP Eligibility Criteria addendum to the RSP Handbook can be found here.
The RSP Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest addendum to the RSP Handbook can be found here.
The Terms and Conditions referenced in section 8 of the RSP Handbook can be found here.
RSP Fee
Per Recommendation 6.8 of the Final Report on the new gTLD Subsequent Procedures Policy Development Process, the RSP Evaluation Program must be funded by those seeking evaluation on a cost-recovery basis. Based on a conservative estimate of the number of RSP applicants as of 03/June/2024, the RSP evaluation fee is estimated at a maximum of $92,000.00.
At the conclusion of the RSP Pre-Evaluation period, the RSP fee will be adjusted to reflect the actual number of RSP applicants at that time based on the RSP fee schedule below. Should the number of RSP applicants warrant a fee reduction, RSP applicants will be refunded the difference as outlined in the table.
RSP Fee Schedule
| Number of RSP Applicants | RSP Fee |
|---|---|
| 0 - 49 | USD $92,000 |
| 50 - 59 | USD $77,000 |
| 60 and above | USD $68,500 |
Previous Versions
The RSP Handbook version 1.2.1 can be found here.
Changes from version 1.2.0:
- Questions MAIN.1.16 and DNSSEC.4.14 of the technical questionnaire required a Main RSP and a DNSSEC RSP to attest to annual KSK rollovers for each of the generic top-level domains under their management. The purpose of these questions was to ensure the regular practice of KSK rollovers in the event of an emergency. After careful consideration, ICANN org changed these questions to accept free-text-form responses, because other strategies could allow RSPs to demonstrate that they are prepared for a KSK rollover. Additionally, doing an annual KSK rollover for every gTLD under management may not be operationally practical in certain scenarios.
- Question PROXY.7.6 of the technical questionnaire asked proxy RSPs to describe their integration with ICANN's Bulk Registration Data Access system, Registration Reporting Interfaces System and Zone File Access (ZFA) system. However, ZFA is not applicable to Proxy RSPs based on the current Pre-Approved Registry Agreement Amendment Language for the Registration Validation per Applicable Law with Proxy registry service. ICANN org has removed ZFA from the information being sought in this question.
- Version 1.2.0 of the RSP Handbook did not list ICANN org's SLT for the Legal Compliance Check conducted during applicant onboarding to the RSP Portal. ICANN org now has provided this information in the list of SLTs already included in the RSP Handbook.
The RSP Handbook version 1.2.0 can be found here.
- First version released to the public.