As part of our overall aim to ensure and reward higher standards of service and data quality across the board, we have published a revised draft of a new registrar agreement for comment.
A number of changes have been made to the draft published for consultation in June, balancing the consultation feedback against our overall objectives. These include a decision not to introduce tag fees at this time and the addition of an independent point of appeal where the agreement with a registrar is suspended or terminated.
We believe that higher standards will benefit customers by helping to ensure they have a positive experience. They will also enhance the reputation of the industry as a demonstration of responsible and effective self-regulation.
Improving and maintaining the quality of our registry data remains a key part of ensuring that the .uk namespace is a trusted and safe space. In response to requests, we have also published a new policy regarding our commitment and expectations around data quality.
We are now seeking final comment on the changes by 20 December 2013 with the aim of finalising the new agreement before the end of the calendar year.
There will then be 30 days’ notice before the new agreement comes into force in early 2014. We will provide a six-month period of dedicated support to help registrars move across to the new model.