and relocated if the regulatory climate becomes less favourable (or only at neartotal loss). In order to achieve the regulatory stability over time that operators need to see, it is essential for regulatory decision makers similarly to be able to take a long-term perspective regarding the interests of the public and the industry. For this reason, regulatory officials must have security of tenure (except in circumstances of incapacity or misfeasance) and agency funding must not be vulnerable to reduction. 120. In relation to Internet domain administration, specific provision is made in the existing Telecommunications Act. The registration of domain names under the “.sb” ccTLD is the responsibility of the Telecommunications Commission or of one or more persons nominated by it (Telecommunications Act s 84). The Telecommunications Commission must monitor the compliance of any “nominated person” with the Act and must comply with agreements with the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority. Solomon Telekom Company Limited currently administers the “.sb” country code top-level domain (TLD).40 Section 135 of the Telecommunications Act requires Solomon Telekom to cooperate with the Telecommunications Commission to transfer the registry and registration and allocation processes to the Commission or its nominee. 121. In a number of nations, including Pacific islands countries, a commercial organization serves as the designated manager of the TLD. The Internet Domain Name System Structure and Delegation (ICP-1) document states: “The major concern in selecting a designated manager for a domain is that it be able to carry out the necessary responsibilities and [have] the ability to do an equitable, just, honest and competent job.” 122. Historically, Registry and Registrar functions were provided by the same organization but more recently these functions have been split, to permit competition in registration services. It is doubtful whether the gains from competition in domain registration would warrant this in Solomon Islands. It is probably appropriate for STCL to continue as the .sb designated manager, but the Telecommunications Commission should continue to provide oversight of that function and monitor STCL to ensure it continues to do an “equitable, just, honest and competent job”. 40 Internet Assigned Numbers Authority, Delegation Record for .sb, available online at: <http://www.iana.org/domains/root/db/sb.html Page | 41 Solomon Islands National ICT Policy