Hello Phil,

>>  Could somebody explain ( maybe  Xavier , CFO  ICANN or Verisign ( Keith ? ) how it currently works between ICANN, Verisign , NTIA.

There is a no –fee contract between NTIA and ICANN to perform the IANA functions, and a no-fee contract between NTIA and Verisign to maintain the root zone.

ICANN receives its income mainly from fees charged to gTLD registries and gTLD registrars (which in turn receive their income from registrars and registrants respectively) .  In addition ICANN receives some contributions from the RIRs and some ccTLD managers.  

Verisign receives its income mainly from gTLD registrars (which in turn receive income from registrants).

Not sure if that helps.

Regards,

Bruce Tonkin