Baker also noted that ICANN is now considering changes to domain name space to include more international domains. It's a change that Baker sees as having both opportunity and challenge.

"In your meetings this week, you have been considering detailed plans that, once implemented, will represent a significant change to the domain name space," Baker commented. "This will not only increase the number of domain names but also will likely increase the complexity of coordinating the Domain Name System. To make the Internet truly global, the incorporation of non-Latin scripts in the DNS is clearly important, while considerable work has already been accomplished, such as the IDN guidelines and the introduction of IDN at the second level within many existing TLDs. Implementation of IDN at the top level is the obvious next step"

The whole International Domain Name thing has been going on for a long time in my view. As far back as 2000, InternetNews.com was reporting on it. Sure there are complexities involved but you would think that over the course of more than 8 years it could be resolved.

But wait it gets better. Baker also talked about making the Internet more secure by way of DNSsec (DNS security extensions) which is an effort that has been underway for the last 10 years.

"As you all are well aware, the development and discussion of DNSsec has been underway for at least a decade. However, full DNSsec deployment is no simple task and requires action by a broad range of actors in the DNS hierarchy," Baker said. "Currently, DNSsec deployment is not widespread, and some point to the authoritative root zone as the linchpin. In light of this, NTIA needs your help in exploring the implementation of DNSsec."

Certainly ICANN has a pivotal role to play in the healthy administration of the Internet. I just wish they'd be a little faster.While the Internet seems to be getting faster all the time, I'm not so sure the same is happening at ICANN.