Press Statement - November 14, 1997
Statement by Dr. Richard Zare
Chair, National Science Board
On Domain Names
The Administration has stated that it supports the continued
privatization and commercialization of the Internet and is committed
to completing the transition to private sector governance. The
National Science Board (NSB) agrees, and has issued a resolution that
the NSF should no longer be involved in domain name registration.
The National Science Foundation originally got involved in Internet
registration processes when the agency managed the major Internet
backbone -- the NSFNET -- to support research and education, primarily
in the nation's universities. The NSFNET backbone functions were
quickly rendered redundant by commercial success and privatized. It
is now time for NSF to focus on research and education, which will
enable the Next Generation Internet.
The NSF cooperative agreement with Network Solutions, Incorporated --
the current registrar for international (generic) top level domains --
expires March 31, 1998.
If the Federal government does elect to remain involved in the policy
and commercial issues surrounding domain name management, it is the
Board's position that the Foundation should not solicit proposals for
a new cooperative agreement. NSF's mission is to promote research and
education in science and engineering, and it can no longer commit
resources to manage today's Internet.
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