New gTLDs

What You Need to Know About New TLDs

Starting 2013, new domain extensions, or TLDs, will change how the world uses the Web. You will have the option of choosing memorable and intuitive domain names specific to your online ventures. New TLDs will make your site easier to find by consumers and tell them what to expect from your website. Here's a look at the entire new TLDs process and a look forward to new services to get the domains you want. A detailed explanation of each phase is available at the end of this post. Don't want to wait? Take the first steps toward getting the best domains.

Phase-by-Phase Guide to New TLDs

New TLD Application Period

The phase when organizations turned in applications to request permission to operate one or more new TLDs.

ICANN Reveals New TLD Applicants

In a historic live broadcast watched by people all over the world, ICANN released the list of new TLDs and the organizations that applied for them. A total of 1,930 applications for over 1,400 new TLDs  were revealed with applicants ranging from tech leaders like Google and Amazon to auto companies like Fiat and Volkswagen.

ICANN Review of New TLD Applications

ICANN is currently evaluating each new TLD application that was submitted. We anticipate ICANN will issue the first application approvals some time in the first half of 2013.

New TLD Launches: Sunrise, Landrush, General Availability

As ICANN approves each new TLD application, the operator of that TLD will begin the process of bringing the TLD online. Here’s a brief summary of the process:

Sunrise – Usually 30 to 60 days

The phase when trademark owners claim their domains before they’re publically available. Domains contested by multiple trademark owners typically go to auction.

Landrush – Usually 30 days

The first phase when anybody can claim domains. Domains in Landrush typically cost more to register with contested domains going to auction.

General Availability – Official launch

The final phase when the public can purchase all of a TLD’s available domain names. Domains are usually first-come-first-serve at this point, but some TLDs may have a pre-order system in place before General Availability opens.

We anticipate the first new TLDs will enter Sunrise during the first half of 2013 and will continue until all approved TLDs have launched.