"Setting a date for the next application window will provide certainty for ICANN the organization and potential applicants alike, but also ensure that all work efforts are completed in a timely manner. Given many of the associated reviews and dependent work efforts have been, or are near completion, we believe it is becoming increasingly important that a date for a next round be set. Based on the information contained in the body of this letter, we believe the fourth quarter 2018 should be the target date for the next application window".
Read the full letter (PDF document).
