Internet Regulators Greenlight New Domain Extensions

The Internet Corp. for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the global administrator of Internet naming conventions, has authorized the development the use of new domain extensions (i.e., the suffixes at the end of an address). Currently, ICANN has approved 22 domain extensions, also known as generic top level domains (GTLD), and a handful (.com, .org, .net. .edu) have served as ubiquitous URL components. However, ICANN will now accept applications for any desired GTLD. However, the process will be arduous and expensive.

According to a www.neowin.net report, it will cost $5,000 to receive an application form, and an additional $180,000 to have the application processed. According to a CNNMoney article, 150 pages of policy documents will be required, and GTLD setup will require an additional $100,000. Upkeep will reportedly cost approximately $100,000 more annually. ICANN will begin reviewing applications by year’s end, and new domain debuts are anticipated in summer 2012.