Here is a FAQ available at:<a href="http://www.icann.org/topics/new-gtld-strategy-faq.htm">http://www.icann.org/topics/new-gtld-strategy-faq.htm</a> -- Please share with others. <br>
<br>New gTLDs — Frequently Asked Questions<div id="confocus"><div id="doctitle">
<p class="docdate">Last Updated 8 May 2007</p>
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<p><strong> 1. What is a gTLD? </strong></p>
<p>gTLD stands for generic top-level domain.
gTLDs are part of the structure of the Internet's domain-name system
(DNS). Each of the generic TLDs was created for a general category of organizations
(see <a href="http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc1591.txt">RFC
1591</a>). Examples of gTLDs are .EDU, .JOBS, and .COM. A complete list of existing
gTLDs is available at <a href="http://www.iana.org/gtld/gtld.htm">http://www.iana.org/gtld/gtld.htm</a>. The
responsibility for operating each gTLD (including maintaining a registry of the
domain names within the gTLD) is delegated to a particular organization. These
organizations are referred to as "registry operators" or "sponsors."
</p>
<p> ccTLDs (country-code top-level domains) are also part of the DNS structure.
ccTLDs are top-level domains which have been established for over 240 countries
and territories (for example, .ZA, .AU, .FR). A listing of existing ccTLDs
is available at <a href="http://www.iana.org/root-whois/index.html">http://www.iana.org/root-whois/index.html</a>. </p>
<p><strong>2.
How are gTLDs established? </strong></p>
<p>New gTLDs have previously been established
based on proposals that were submitted to ICANN during specific application
periods. Materials from the previous application processes are available
at <a href="http://www.icann.org/tlds/app-index.htm">http://www.icann.org/tlds/app-index.htm</a> (2000)
and <a href="http://www.icann.org/tlds/stld-apps-19mar04/">http://www.icann.org/tlds/stld-apps-19mar04/</a> (2003-4).
Applications received during these rounds were evaluated against previously-published
criteria, and those applicants who were successful went on to sign <a href="http://www.icann.org/registries/agreements.htm">TLD
Registry Agreements</a> with ICANN. </p>
<p><strong>3. How do I apply for a new gTLD? </strong></p>
<p>There is no gTLD application
process open at this time, but work is underway to lead to announcement of
a new gTLD application round. A policy development process (see below) is in
progress with the aim of creating a standing policy that will guide future
introduction of new gTLDs. You can find more information on this process at <a href="http://www.icann.org/topics/gtld-strategy-area.html">http://www.icann.org/topics/gtld-strategy-area.html</a>.
When this process is complete and a policy has been adopted, ICANN will be
able to initiate a new gTLD application process. </p>
<p><strong>4. When will I be
able to apply for a new gTLD and how long does the process take? </strong></p>
<p> No dates for a new gTLD application process have been established at this
time. The time frame for this is dependent on the outcome of the policy development
process mentioned above. There will be an extended period of outreach and information
sharing prior to any new round to ensure that potential applicants have all
the information they need. </p>
<p>Detailed application information will be published
prior to the application round opening, and timeframes for the application
process will be available at that time. </p>
<p><strong>5. How will gTLD applications
be assessed? </strong></p>
<p>A detailed request for proposal (RFP) will be published
prior to commencement of any application period. The RFP will provide complete
applicant and string criteria requirements, and applications will be assessed
against these published criteria. See also the GNSO's <a href="http://gnso.icann.org/issues/new-gtlds/">policy
development documents</a> for background on draft recommendations in regard
to criteria. </p>
<p><strong>6. I have an idea for a new gTLD. Can
I register my idea with ICANN in advance of the next application period? </strong></p>
<p>No.
ICANN will accept submissions only during an open application period. </p>
<p><strong>7.
How much is the application fee? </strong></p>
<p>The application fee will be published
as part of the RFP. The RFP is currently in development and thus fee information
is not yet available. As a general guide, the fee will be set at a level
which enables the full recovery of costs associated with running the application
process. </p>
<p><strong>8. Does this application process cover new ccTLDs also? </strong></p>
<p>No.
Information on procedures for establishing ccTLDs is available at <a href="http://www.iana.org/cctld/cctld-establishment-procedures-19mar03.htm">http://www.iana.org/cctld/cctld-establishment-procedures-19mar03.htm.</a>
However,
anyone, including ccTLD operators, may apply to operate a new gTLD. </p>
<p><strong>9.
Can applicants who were not selected in previous rounds re-apply in future
rounds? </strong></p>
<p> Yes. </p>
<p><strong>10. Will applicants who participated in the previous gTLD application
processes receive special treatment in future rounds? </strong></p>
<p>No. All
applications submitted will receive the same level of scrutiny. See also <a href="http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#annexA">http://www.icann.org/correspondence/schwartz-to-hemphill-24jan07.pdf</a>. </p>
<p><strong>11.
Will applicants operating alternate root systems be given preferential
treatment in future rounds? </strong></p>
<p>No. All applicants in a potential
future application process would be equally eligible for a particular
TLD string. ICANN is committed to a single, authoritative public root
for the DNS and to the management of that unique root in the public interest
according to policies developed through community processes. Please see <a href="http://www.icann.org/icp/icp-3.htm">ICP-3</a> for
a detailed statement of ICANN's position on alternate roots. </p>
<p><strong>12.
How does the policy development process work? </strong></p>
<p>The Generic
Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) is responsible for creating
policy applicable to gTLDs. The GNSO's constituencies and Council members
work to arrive at consensus policy recommendations which, if adopted by the
GNSO Council, are passed on to the ICANN Board of Directors. If approved
by the Board, the policy is adopted and implemented by staff. </p>
<p>The GNSO Policy
Development Process (PDP) is formally defined in the ICANN Bylaws (see <a href="http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#AnnexA">http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#AnnexA</a>). </p>
<p><strong>13.
How can I participate in the policy development process? </strong></p>
<p>The GNSO
contains six constituencies. To get involved in one of these groups, see
the links below or <a href="http://gnso.icann.org/">http://gnso.icann.org</a>. </p>
<ul><li><a href="http://gnso.icann.org/commercial-and-business/">Commercial & Business</a> </li><li><a href="http://gnso.icann.org/gtld-registries/">gTLD Registries</a> </li><li><a href="http://gnso.icann.org/internet-service-and-connection-providers/">
Internet
Service & Connection Providers</a> </li><li><a href="http://gnso.icann.org/non-commercial/">Non-Commercial</a> </li><li><a href="http://gnso.icann.org/registrars/">Registrars</a> </li><li><a href="http://gnso.icann.org/intellectual-property/">
Intellectual Property</a></li></ul>
<p> Other groups within the ICANN community also provide input into the GNSO's
process from specific perspectives, including those of individual users, governments,
and technical experts. See <a href="http://www.icann.org/structure/">http://www.icann.org/structure/</a> for
additional information on ICANN's structure. </p>
<p>Additionally, the GNSO frequently
requests general input and submissions from the community as part of its
deliberations. For more information, see <a href="http://gnso.icann.org/issues/new-gtlds/">http://gnso.icann.org/issues/new-gtlds/</a>. </p>
<p><strong>14. How
can I get updates on the GNSO policy development process? </strong></p>
<p>The GNSO's
page on new gTLDs is at <a href="http://gnso.icann.org/issues/new-gtlds/">http://gnso.icann.org/issues/new-gtlds/</a>.
You can also sign up for general ICANN updates at <a href="http://www.icann.org/communications/newsletter.html">http://www.icann.org/communications/newsletter.html</a>. </p>
<p><strong>15.
What is the process for submitting questions about new gTLDs? </strong></p>
<p>ICANN
encourages community inquiries on the gTLD process and questions may be sent
to <a href="mailto:newgtld@icann.org">newgtld@icann.org</a>. Questions
and answers will be posted to this FAQ, which can be viewed at <a href="http://www.icann.org/topics/new-gtld-strategy-faq.htm">http://www.icann.org/topics/new-gtld-strategy-faq.htm</a>. </p>
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