General FAQs

Since the new process is a constantly evolving one, we’ve tried to bring you some of the common questions that everyone’s asking.

  1. What is a gTLD?

    A gTLD stands for a generic Top-Level Domain. It is one of the categories of Top-Level Domains maintained by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), and forms a part of the Internet’s global addressing system, called the Domain Name System (DNS). In layman terms, it is the suffix that appears at the end of Internet addresses, and is used to route traffic through the internet. Examples of gTLDs include .COM for commercial organizations, .EDU for education and academia, and .MOBI for mobile phone users.

  2. What is the new gTLD Program formulated by ICANN?

    After a long period of deliberation, the ICANN board approved a recommendation for the expansion of the generic Top-Level Domains, wherein applicants will now be allowed to select a TLD string of their own choice, subject to ICANN’s approval. ICANN has released a draft describing the gTLD Application process; it is divided into 6 modules elucidating each step of the process. The draft is open for comment, and the final process should be out by Q1 2009. Click here for a diagram of the proposed process.

  3. What is the need for more gTLDs?

    While ICANN’s primary mandate is to keep the Internet secure, stable and interoperable, one of its foundational principles has been to promote competition in the domain name marketplace. At present, the internet’s addressing system is constrained by the existence of only 21 generic top-level domain names. ICANN feels that this expansion will allow more innovation, choice and change for end users, and contribute towards the continued success and diversity of the global network.

  4. Can anyone apply for a gTLD? If not, what are the application criteria?

    Any public or private-sector organization, corporation or institution in good standing can apply to create and operate a new gTLD. Applications from individuals or sole proprietorships will not be considered. ICANN expects a broad range of public and private sector organizations from around the world to apply. Applicants will, of course, need to meet a set of operational and technical criteria before their application is formally accepted.

  5. What are the various costs involved? What is the maximum that an applicant may have to spend?

    A tabulation of the total costs involved in the process is as defined below:

    total_costs1

    It is estimated that, in the worst case scenario, the total cost to the applicant would be amounting to $362,100, without including the yearly registry fee.

  6. Why is it so expensive?

    According to ICANN, the fee only aims to recover the total costs involved for ICANN during the entire process – from rolling out the initial RFP to the final delegation of ratified gTLD strings. They’ve carefully analyzed historical program development costs, process and uncertainty costs to arrive at the estimated values provided in the RFP; most of these values are subject to revision in the final draft. In any case, if the fee collection exceeds ICANN expenses, the community will be consulted as to how the excess is to be used.

  7. Is there an upper limit on the number of TLDs that a single applicant may apply for? How many new gTLDs are to be added to the internet infrastructure under this program?

    As of now, no upper limit has been specified on the number of strings that a single applicant may propose to introduce into the Domain Name System. However, each proposed gTLD string would require its own separate application.
    Also, no pre-defined limit has yet been placed on the number of TLDs that might be inducted into the Internet’s addressing system through this program. ICANN estimates that upto 500 new gTLDs would be added to the root with the completion of this process.

  8. What are the types of TLDs that can be applied for?

    There are two types of TLDs that an applicant can apply for:

    • Open gTLD - an open gTLD is one that can be used for any purpose consistent with the requirements of the application and evaluation criteria, and with the registry agreement. An open gTLD may or may not have a formal relationship with an exclusive registrant or user population nor employ eligibility or use restrictions.
    • Community-based gTLD - A community-based gTLD is a gTLD that is operated for the benefit of a defined community consisting of a restricted population.
  9. Are IDNs supported?

    IDN applications will be considered for delegation under the new gTLD program. However, any applicant who applies for such a string must provide accompanying information that indicates compliance with the IDNA protocol and other requirements.

  10. What is the proposed timeline for delegating the new gTLDs into the Domain Name System (DNS)?

    The tentative implementation timeline is as follows:

    • gTLD Consensus Policy Approved –  Q2 2008
    • Draft RFP Posted – Oct 2008
    • Final RFP Approved – est. early Q1 2009
    • First Round Implementation - Communications/RFP - est. Q1 2009
    • Applications Accepted – est. early Q2 2009
    • Successful TLD Applications Approved – est. Q1 2010

  11. Is this the final process?

    No, the final draft for the program is expected to be out by early 2009.