Questions & Answers
The most important questions about new TLDs
What is the advantage of having your own gTLD?
Would your company or community like to have its own space on the web? Or do you have a fascinating business concept for a new top-level domain?
By operating your own gTLD, you benefit from a broad creative leeway and will decide on
- which domain registration conditions shall apply
- which dedicated groups of persons or users are eligible to register domains
- if and which special functionality shall be tied to your top-level domain
- how your top-level domain will be positioned on the market
Even the pricing of the domain registration is entirely up to the operator, who can lead a new top-level domain to commercial success with the help of a sustainable business model.
What role does ICANN play?
ICANN is an organisation under private law located in the United States which sets the principles for the management of gTLDs.
ICANN is planning to expand the already existing domain name space on the internet by offering a well-organised application process for the registration and allocation of new gTLDs. This is implemented to promote the competition on the international domain market.
ICANN currently drafts an applicant guidebook which defines rules and requirements for new top-level domain applications. At this time, the draft applicant guidebook has been published in its fourth version, which might result in a final version by the end of 2010.
Who can apply?
All kinds of organisations are eligible for the application process, e. g.
- geographic regions, e. g. cities or states
- organisations, e. g. inter-governmental organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or clubs
- institutions, e. g. industrial or occupational associations
- companies, e. g. as owners of trademark rights or having a promising business idea
Every applicant has to chose between one of the following application types:
- application as a closed “community top-level domain”
- application as an standard top-level domain
The application for a “community TLD” is targeted towards future registration of domains by a clearly defined circle of users belonging to the respective “community”. An application for an standard top-level domain allows anyone to register domains within that top-level domain.
Private persons are excluded from the application process, an application for a new TLD must be submitted by an organisation or corporation.
What are the requirements?
- The applicant has to account for a technically stable operation of a registry which is safeguarded over a period of three up to five years.
- The applicant has to provide a substantial business plan which contains the economic frames for the successful operation of a registry.
- The requested gTLD has to be clearly distinguishable and must not resemble any existing TLD. It must also not affect the stability of the root zone.
- The requested gTLD has to bear a clear relation to the description of the community (only applies to applications from communities).
What costs are to be expected?
Expected costs for new TLD applicants:
- for ICANN: a registration fee amounting to 185.000 $ (mostly including 50.000 $ for an extended evaluation). Furthermore there can be costs for objection proceedings and/or the string contention process. If the application is cancelled 20 % of the money is given back.
- for the operator of the technical registry platform
- for the service provider supporting you in the application and the launch of the TLD
- for staffing costs, travels to ICANN meetings, etc.
- for ICANN: 25,000 $ per year after delegation
In total, you should allow for costs amounting to about 500.000 $ during the whole application process.
How can EPAG support you?
A substantial competition analysis, an elaborate marketing strategy, the discussion of legal issues in advance, a well-structured business plan and technical as well as operational know-how are the key to a successful application.
EPAG provides all interested parties with advice and practical support during the application process and the operation of the registry backend.
Find more details on the available services.
