Telnic sets launch date for .tel domains

Stuart Corner
Sunday, 22 June 2008 06:21

Business IT - Networking

Telnic, the organisation behind the new .tel 'one-stop-contact' top level domain name, says it will start accepting applications from trademark holders from December in preparation for a launch in March 2009.

Telnic intends that .tel will be a one-stop shop where individuals and organisations will be able to provide a range of contact information. According to Telnic it will allow anyone to publish and control, in real time, how they can be reached. It will enable people to reach a business from any Internet enabled device (computer or mobile) simply by typing, for example, 'Hertz.tel'.

Telnic announced in January 2007 that it had selected NeuStar, a provider of clearinghouse and directory services to the global communications and Internet industry, to operate the domain name registry and DNS resolution systems for .tel. It plans to release free application software that will enable .tel domains to be integrated with the commonly used address books found in computer systems and mobile phones.

Sunrise applications from national trademark owners will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis as of Wednesday, 3rd December 2008. Landrush registration, open to all at premium prices, will open on 3 February 2009 and general availability from 24 March 2009. Applications in all categories will be accepted only through ICANN accredited registrars.

Owners and licensees of national trademarks may apply, and allocation will be on a first-come, first-served. This presents the opportunity for small companies in unrelated areas to nab the .tel names of global companies.
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