It is then expected to pick around three of the suggested names
to join current top level domain (TLD) names such as .COM and
.ORG.
The new TLDs are expected to come into operation early next
year. ICANN’s policy involves a process in which those interested
in operating or sponsoring new TLDs may apply to ICANN. For this,
ICANN is asking a US$50,000 application fee to cover its costs.
Formal applications for new domains will be accepted by ICANN from
5th September to 2nd October. There will then be a two week period
for public comment on the suggestions. After reviewing the
applications, ICANN will select applications and these applicants
will then enter into negotiations with ICANN.
The period offered for applications has been shortened from two
months to slightly less than one month due to ICANN running behind
its own schedule for introducing new TLDs. ICANN blamed the large
number of inquiries into the application process for slowing
progress.
Numerous suggestions for the new suffixes have been sent to
ICANN. They include .SHOP, .KID, .BIZ, .LAW and .SUCKS among
others. ICANN is meeting in Japan in November and it will then
decide which suffixes to adopt.
Administration of the .COM, .NET and .ORG domains is carried out
by Network Solutions in Virginia, USA. Country codes are looked
after by other organisations (for example, the .UK domain is
controlled by Nominet). Several organisations are interested in
looking after the new names and ICANN will have to resolve the
question of which applicant should succeed where more than one
wants to administer the same domain. Such administration is
potentially lucrative.
Full details of the application process are available on
ICANN’s site.
