More than 1,600 applications for new top-level domains made to ICANN
Huge domain name space expansion expected
The window for applying to ICANN to set up new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) formally closed on 12 August. A total of more than 1,600 applications were submitted during the 15 weeks that the window was open. Closure of the window is an important milestone not only for organisations looking to get their own top-level domains, but also for brands, communities and sectors considering whether and how to respond. A preliminary analysis of the applications shows that a good number of generic extensions are being sought by multiple competing applicants.
How many new extensions will ultimately be realised?
According to ICANN, more than 1,600 primary applications have been received. In more than 1,100 cases, the applicant has nominated a second-choice extension, which they would want if they can’t get their first choice. Because ICANN hasn’t yet published the full list, we don’t know how many unique extensions have actually been requested. However, we believe that the number is lower than in the last window (2012), when applications were made for 1,930 unique extensions.
Although 1,600-plus applications have been made, it doesn’t automatically follow that a similar number of new extensions will ultimately be created. One reason being that, in some cases, multiple applicants are after the same extension. Also, some applicants may withdraw their applications, or have them refused, because of financial challenges or objections from brand owners or communities. Even so, the volume of applications points to a considerable expansion of the domain name space. We’re expecting maybe 1,000-plus new extensions to emerge: a sizeable increase on the 1,600 or so that currently exist.
Payment is the next major milestone
Before consideration of the applications begins, $227,000 is payable to ICANN for each new extension requested. So, the final number of applications won’t be known until the payment deadline has passed. At that point, we’ll find out how many applications are going forward to the next stage of the process.
Reveal Day in mid-October
The next big milestone is Reveal Day, probably in mid-October. Once the applications have undergone an administrative check, ICANN will publish the non-confidential information from the applications that have been cleared to proceed. We’ll then know what new gTLDs have been requested, and which of them are wanted by multiple applicants.
ICANN expects Reveal Day to be no later than 9 weeks after closure of the window, unless exceptional circumstances arise. So, if things go to plan, Reveal Day will be shortly before the next ICANN meeting, which takes place in Denpasar (Bali), starting on 17 October.
ICANN envisages announcing the date of Reveal Day and setting out the remaining timetable in mid-September. At that stage, applicants and their representatives will get a clear picture of how the process is taking shape. We’ll know what unique extensions have been requested, which ones are being contested, and what types of extension there’s most interest in.
First contested new extensions already known
Although the full picture has yet to emerge, a few high-profile applicants have already disclosed their plans. Having applied for more than 300 new gTLDs, the Link Freedom Group has assumed the mantle of ‘the biggest ICANN applicant ever’.
From other announcements, we know that some extensions are being sought by multiple applicants: a phenomenon referred to in the applicant guidelines as ‘contention’. So, for example, the Link Freedom Group, Endpoint Domains and Oinkadot are contesting extensions including .big, .true, .private and .bit.
That raises an interesting question. ICANN’s rules forbid applicants making private arrangements about contested extensions after Reveal Day. However, the way the rules are worded suggests that deals can be done before Reveal Day. So, for example, an applicant could agree to withdraw in return for financial compensation. That may be why some players are already actively disclosing what extensions they have applied for.
Generic extensions to the fore
Judging by the announcements made so far, it looks as if generic extensions are to the fore in this application window. Of the 700-plus unique extensions that we now know have been requested, the majority are generic.
The high proportion of applications that include an alternative (second-choice) extension confirms that impression. So, the number of brand extensions requested (e.g. .asml) must be less than 500, because it’s unlikely that a brand owner would want an alternative, second-choice version of their own brand name.
Hello Registry will keep an eye on developments
Hello Registry, the joint venture by SIDN and Canadian registry CIRA, will continue to monitor developments in this application window, including the Reveal Day announcement and publication of the full list of requested extensions. We’ll also be present at the ICANN meeting in Bali, and we’ll publish an update as soon as the full list becomes available.
Although the application window has now closed, applicants can choose or change their registry service providers (RSPs) any time until ICANN starts considering the applications. Anyone still exploring their RSP options for this second application window who wants to know more about Hello Registry and our services is encouraged to visit helloregistry.com.
