ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers has approved the creation of a new Top Level Domain (TLD) for use on the Internet - .tel. The new domain name is aimed primarily at telecoms providers. The .tel domain name was approved by ICANN on May 2006 and it is sponored by telnic. The .tel is a service that allows individuals and businesses alike to store and manage all their contact information and keywords directly in the DNS without the need to build, host or manage a website.

The idea is for people to use .tel domain name as a way of communicating directly with the person or company behind a particular Web site, using technologies such as voice over Internet Protocol, e-mail or Short Message Service (SMS). Telnic used some examples of the domain name like: OdurindeLuqman.tel or VelnetWeb.tel.

“The .tel domain name offers the first genuinely different use of domains since .com was first created. It will provide seamless integration of existing methods of communication, with emerging technologies like voice over IP,” Telnic’s chief executive, Khashayar Mahdavi, said in a statement.

“The days of needing to remember several telephone numbers, numerous VoIP or instant message identities and other points of contact for our social and professional networks are over. By leveraging innovative DNS (Domain Name System) technology, the .tel domain will allow anyone to publish and control, in real time, how they can be reached,” Mahdavi said.

With less than 125 days to the launch the domain name, EuroDNS.com has become the first ICANN-accredited re-seller of  .tel domain name registrar.

The launch schedule for the .tel domain name is as follows:
Sunrise:

• Timing - Sunrise opens at 15:00 GMT on 3rd December, 2008 and closes 23:59 GMT on 2nd February, 2009. Applications will only be accepted from ICANN accredited registrars.

• Eligibility - Owners and licensees of trademarks registered with national effect may apply. Trademarks must have been applied for prior to 30th May, 2008 and registered prior to 3rd December, 2008. Applications may be based on both word and figurative (device) marks that consist exclusively or predominantly of words.

• Selection method - The selection method is first-come, first-served. The Validation Agent will review applications for conformity with the Sunrise Policy.

• Reconsideration - If an application is rejected, the applicant will have 10 days to file an appeal. If an application is accepted, third parties will have 10 days to file a challenge.

• Sunrise Policy - Registrations during Sunrise are subject to the standard registration conditions contained in Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and the Sunrise Policy provided below.

Landrush:

• Timing - Landrush opens at 15:00 GMT on 3rd February, 2009 and closes at 23:59 GMT on 23rd March, 2009. Applications will only be accepted through ICANN accredited registrars.

• Eligibility - Open to everyone. Any domain that is not registered during Sunrise will be eligible for Landrush registration at a premium price.

• Selection Method - The selection method is first-come, first-served. There is no validation involved.

• Landrush Policy - Registrations during Landrush are subject to the standard registration conditions contained in the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).

General Availability:

• Timing - General availability opens at 15:00 GMT on 24 March 2009. Applications will only be accepted through ICANN accredited registrars.

• Eligibility - Open to everyone

• Selection Method -  The selection method is first-come, first-served. There is no validation involved.

• General Availability Policy - Registrations during General Availability are subject to the standard registration conditions contained in the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

For details information about .tel domain name, registration schedule and procedure, please check telnic.org

The .me domain name is off to a great start with over 30,000 domain name applications received to date, the domain name company has announced. The country’s extension - whose slogan is “.me is about YOU!” holds a lot of value due to the potential for personalization.

The company announced that the next round of registration, functioning on a first-come, first-serve basis, would start on July 17, during which all available domains would be awarded to the first bidders that meet required conditions. 

The General Sunrise Period began in May, when only trademark owners could have applied for their .me domain. .me domain names that receive more than one application will be awarded through an auction process. .me is expected to be utilized as a personalized Web address and as a catchy business marketing tool around the world. The .me Landrush (pre-registration) period began in early June, and Open Registration is set to begin on a first-come, first-served basis in mid-July. Two-year minimums are required on all .me domain names registered during the Landrush and initial Open Registration periods.

Open registration of the domain names, on a first-come, first-served basis will stat on 17 of his month.

More than 80 different accredited registrars from 24 countries are receiving the applications.