Supporters Of ICANN-VeriSign Agreement Challenge Critics

Countering criticism over its Internet domain name settlement with VeriSign, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Friday challenged complaints that the agreement was anticompetitive with a list of companies and organizations that support the decision.

"ICANN has taken an important step in creating a clear and well-defined framework for how the Internet community can collaborate," said Ray Fassett, vice president of domain registrar .jobs Registry, in a statement.

Another registrar, Global Name Registry Ltd., also supported the deal between ICANN and VeriSign. In a statement, the firm's president, Hakon Haugnes, said: "The board's action is a constitutional moment for ICANN that provide a clear path forward for the industry. By drawing clear lines around roles and responsibilities, the industry can better serve Internet users."

Some registrars have complained that the settlement that gives VeriSign power over the .COM domains is anticompetitive. The deal must be approved by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

According to ICANN, organizations supporting the agreement include the Association for Competitive Technology and the Electronic Industries Alliance.