Prices soar for top-level domain names

The global top level domain debate is set to ignite with the release over the weekend of the draft new global top level domains program guidebook.

The global top level domain debate is set to ignite with the release over the weekend of the draft new global top level domains program guidebook.

The global top level domains (gLTDs) are the suffixes such as .com and .net placed at the end of internet addresses. These are limited in number and regulated by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).

ICANN has proposed to make new gLTDs available for a wide range of commercial uses to anyone who makes a suitable application. ICANN released the guidebook to assist applicants develop applications for new domain names.

Melbourne IT chief technology officer Bruce Tonkin says that the draft comments are eliciting concerns from owners of brands about protecting their businesses.

“The feedback is that brand owners feel they will have to buy a lot of new domain spaces and it will be expensive.”

It certainly will. If a corporate wants to get its own name it will cost $US185,000. On top of that is a minimum annual license fee of $US75,000.

Tonkin says interest for names has emerged so far from some large corporates, countries and cities. Also religious groups have expressed interest in getting a top level domain name.

“There is some protection around geographic names. For example those who want to use .paris would need to get a formal letter from the relevant government authority in support of that application.”

The new ICANN policy is planned to be implemented in 2009.

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