The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is planning to issue new generic Top-level Domains (gTLDs). Existing gTLDs include .com, .net, .biz, .tel, .travel and others. Applications are expected for new gTLDs like .web, .blog, .law, .news and many more. Companies are expected to apply for their company name (.companyname) or brand (.brandname) as a means to extend their online presence, and a number of cities (e.g. .NYC) as well as cultural or linguistic groups have also announced plans.

Neustar Registry Services provides Applicants with the underlying infrastructure services (Registry, DNS, WHOIS, Reporting, etc) that new gTLD applicants need to meet ICANN requirements, and provides assistance to help Applicants successfully navigate the application process.

Any company, organization or government may apply for a new gTLD. Individuals may not apply on their own behalf. A legal entity (organization, company, government association, etc) must be the Applicant.

For some, applying for a new gTLD offers a rare opportunity to launch a new business targeted at the broad Internet or a specific vertical market, while others are seeking a gTLD to serve a specific community or advance a cause. Many cities view a new gTLD as a way to promote e-commerce, serve their citizens, promote tourism, and encourage economic development. Companies and brands have expressed interest in using a new gTLD to extend and enhance their online brand, provide a greater degree of confidence to their customers, and to gain flexibility and control over what appears to the "left of the dot."

Although no firm date has been established, Neustar expects ICANN to accept applications for new gTLDs sometime in the first half of 2011. A detailed description of the process and the requirements are included in the current draft Application Guidebook here. Applicants must complete the Application questions (see page X of the Application Guidebook) and meet the requirements.

A fee of $185,000 USD will be due to ICANN with your application. Other fees may also apply during the application process, and an auction may take place if there is more than one qualified applicant for the gTLD you are seeking. Annual ICANN Fees and Data Escrow fees are also applicable. Once we understand your objectives and requirements, Neustar will provide a quote for Registry Services.

Proven Registry Solution and Experience

Neustar's existing Registry Service is already in place and meets ICANN requirements. Our Registry Service has proven to be reliable and stable by meeting or exceeding ICANN service level requirements. To enhance security and ensure the integrity, Neustar proactively monitors for malicious activity and has vast experience detecting and mitigating DDOS attacks. Neustar has launched and supports more gTLDs than any Registry in the world, and our team has more than a decade of experience operating gTLD Registries for partners.

World's Best DNS Solution

The DNS element of any Registry Service Providers solution is the most mission critical. Neustar owns and operates a highly secure, robust global DNS infrastructure with support for DNSSEC. Neustar is one of the world’s largest providers of enterprise DNS services and counts many of the world’s best known e-commerce, online companies and country code Top-Level Domains as customers.

Most Partnering Experience

Neustar has vast experience applying for, launching and operating new gTLDs for itself and on behalf of TLD partners. Neustar currently provides the Registry Services that power .BIZ, .US (for the U.S. Department of Commerce), .Travel (for Tralliance, Inc.), .tel (for Telnic, Inc.), and was most recently awarded the contract to provide services for .CO (for CO Internet, Inc.). Neustar has also been selected to provide Registry Services for the non-profit .green gTLD Applicant (DotGreen, Inc). In each instance, Neustar successfully competed with all the major Registries and was selected to operate the Registry.

Distribution – 250+ Existing Registrar Relationships

Having the right distribution partners in place will be a critical factor in determining the success of many new gTLDs. Neustar already has operating relationships with 250+ Registrars around the world. Although Registrars will ultimately decide which gTLDs they wish to “carry” and promote, working with a Registry they are already connected to and have accounts with requires less Registrar effort and resource.

Extensive ICANN Experience

Neustar has been actively involved in ICANN including leadership roles in key working groups for nearly a decade. Our partners benefit from our knowledge of how the ICANN process and policies work. Given the many ICANN new gTLD applications Neustar has been involved in, we can help you successfully navigate the process.

Financial Strength and Resources

Neustar is a financially strong 900+ employee global company and is listed on the NYSE (NSR). Neustar is profitable, with 2009 revenues exceeding $480 million USD, and a strong balance sheet.

Additional information about new gTLDs can be found on the ICANN website at www.ICANN.org or by contacting Neustar at the e-mail address below.

Submit your contact information here to schedule a consultation or briefing. Or contact us by e-mail at newgtld@neustar.biz