Jump to content

Country code top-level domain: Difference between revisions

From ICANNWiki
JP (talk | contribs)
Christiane (talk | contribs)
m general fixes
 
(31 intermediate revisions by 11 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Template:Articles needing attention}}
A '''Country Code Top-Level Domain''' ('''ccTLD''') is a two-letter Internet top-level domains ([[TLD]]s) specifically designated for a particular country, sovereign state or autonomous territory for use to service their community. ccTLDs are derived from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_3166-1_alpha-2 ISO 3166-1 alpha-2] country codes.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/cctlds/ ICANN ccTLDs]</ref>
A '''Country Code Top-Level Domain''' ('''ccTLD''') is a two-letter Internet top-level domains ([[TLD]]s) specifically designated for a particular country, sovereign state or autonomous territory for use to service their community. ccTLDs are derived from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_3166-1_alpha-2 ISO 3166-1 alpha-2] country codes.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/cctlds/ ICANN ccTLDs]</ref>


==Implementation==
==Implementation==
The implementation of ccTLDs was started by [[IANA]]. The delegation and creation of ccTLDs is presented within [https://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc1591.txt RFC 1591]. In order to determine whether new ccTLDs should be added or not, the IANA follows the provisions of ISO 3166 - Maintenance Agency. More information related to the development of new ccTLDs can be found in [http://www.iana.org/procedures/cctld-establishment.html IANA's Procedures for Establishing ccTLDs]. <ref>[http://www.iana.org/domains/root/cctld/ IANA ccTLD]</ref>
The implementation of ccTLDs was started by [[IANA]], which is not a physical organization or an individual but it is part of [[ICANN]].<ref>[https://www.nominus.com/en/dm/blog/country-domains/january-2022/what-are-country-code-top-level-domains-and-why-do-they-matter Who created ccTLDs?]</ref> The delegation and creation of ccTLDs is presented within [https://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc1591.txt RFC 1591]. In order to determine whether new ccTLDs should be added or not, the IANA follows the provisions of ISO 3166 - Maintenance Agency. Briefly, "our policy is to create new country-code top-level domains when the country or territory is listed on the ISO 3166-1 standard."
 
More information related to the development of new ccTLDs can be found in [http://www.iana.org/procedures/cctld-establishment.html IANA's Procedures for Establishing ccTLDs]. <ref>[http://www.iana.org/domains/root/cctld/ IANA ccTLD]</ref>


===IANA's Procedures for ccTLDs===
===IANA's Procedures for ccTLDs===
Within its database, [[IANA]] contains authoritative information related to ccTLDs, referring to sponsoring organizations, technical and administrative contacts, name servers, registration [[URL]]s and other such information. This type of information provides extra details regarding the [[IANA]]'s procedures for maintaining the ccTLD database.
 
Within its database, IANA maintains authoritative information related to ccTLDs.  This includes sponsoring organizations, technical and administrative contacts, name servers, registration [[URL]]s and other such information. This type of information provides extra details regarding the IANA's procedures for maintaining the ccTLD database.


==Delegation and Redelegation==
==Delegation and Redelegation==
The process through which the designated manager, or managers, is changed is know as ''redelegation''. The process follows the provisions of ICP-1 and RFC 1591. [[IANA]] receives all requests of a sponsoring organization related to delegation and redelegation for the ccTLDs. The requests are then analyzed by [[IANA]] based on various technical and public criterion, and finally sent to the [[ICANN Board|ICANN Board of Directors]] for approval or refusal. If approved, IANA is also responsible for the implementation of the request.<ref name="guide">[http://www.iana.org/domains/root/delegation-guide/ Delegation and Redelegation Guide]</ref>


Conceptually speaking, the delegation and redelegation processes are simple, but can easily become complex if there are many organizations and individuals involved in the process. There is a set of steps that must be followed before sending the request for delegation or redelegation. An initial request should be developed based on ''The Change Request Template'' and supplementary information to prove that the eligibility criteria has been met by the initial request. All the information supplied is used by IANA to fortify the request received.<ref name="guide">[http://www.iana.org/domains/root/delegation-guide/ Delegation and Redelegation Guide]</ref>
The process through which the designated manager, or managers, is changed is known as ''redelegation''.  The redelegation process follows the provisions of [https://archive.icann.org/en/policies/icp-1-archived.htm ICP-1] and RFC 1591. IANA receives all requests of a sponsoring organization related to delegation and redelegation for the ccTLDs. The requests are then analyzed by IANA based on various technical and public criterion.  The request, accompanied by the IANA analysis, is finally sent to the [[ICANN Board|ICANN Board of Directors]] for approval or refusal. If approved, IANA is also responsible for the implementation of the request.<ref name="guide">[http://www.iana.org/domains/root/delegation-guide/ Delegation and Redelegation Guide]</ref>
 
Conceptually speaking, the delegation and redelegation processes are simple.  However, they can easily become complex if there are many organizations and individuals involved in the process. There is a set of steps that must be followed before sending the request for delegation or redelegation. An initial request should be developed, based on ''The Change Request Template'' and supplementary information, to prove that the eligibility criteria have been met by the initial request. All the information supplied is used by IANA to analyze the request received.<ref name="guide">[http://www.iana.org/domains/root/delegation-guide/ Delegation and Redelegation Guide]</ref>


==ccTLDs and ICANN==  
==ccTLDs and ICANN==  
The policies developed by [[ICANN]] are implemented by [[gTLD]] [[registry]] operators, ccTLD managers, root-nameserver operators and regional Internet registries. One of the main activities of [[ICANN]] is to work with other organizations involved in the technical coordination of the Internet with the purpose of formally documenting their participatory role within the [[ICANN]] process. These organizations are committed to the [[ICANN]] policies that result from their work.


Starting in 2000, [[ICANN]] started cooperating with ccTLD managers to document their relationship. Due to various circumstances such as: the type of organization, cultural issues, economics, the legal environment, etc., the relationships between [[ICANN]] and ccTLD mangers are often complex. Another consideration is the role of the national government in "managing or establishing policy for their own ccTLD" (role recognized in the June 1998, U.S. Government [[White Paper]]).<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/cctlds/ ICANN ccTLDs]</ref>
The policies developed by ICANN are implemented by [[gTLD]] [[registry]] operators, ccTLD managers, root-nameserver operators and regional Internet registries. One of the main activities of ICANN is to work with other organizations involved in the technical coordination of the Internet, with the purpose of formally documenting their participatory role within the ICANN process. These organizations are committed to the ICANN policies that result from their work.


In 2009, [[ICANN]] began the implementation of an [[IDN]] ccTLD Fast Track Process,<ref>[http://www.idnnews.com/?p=9433 IDN News]</ref> whereby countries that use non-Latin script are able to claim ccTLDs in their native script and the corresponding Latin version. As of early 2011, 33 requests have been received, representing 22 languages.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/topics/idn/fast-track/ ICANN]</ref> More than half have already been approved.<ref>[http://www.ausregistry.com/blog/?p=342 AUSRegistry]</ref>
In 2000, ICANN started cooperating with ccTLD managers to document their relationship. The relationships between ICANN and ccTLD mangers are often complex.  Complexities arise due to various circumstances, including the type of organization, cultural issues, economics, the legal environment, etc. Another consideration is the role of the national government in "managing or establishing policy for their own ccTLD" (role recognized in the June 1998, U.S. Government [[White Paper]]).<ref>[https://www.icann.org/resources/unthemed-pages/white-paper-2012-02-25-en White Paper, 2/25/2012, ICANN Resources]</ref>


==Open ccTLDs==
In 2009, ICANN began the implementation of an [[IDN ccTLD Fast Track Process]],<ref>[http://www.idnnews.com/?p=9433 IDN News]</ref> whereby countries that use non-Latin script are able to claim ccTLDs in their native script and the corresponding Latin version. As of early 2011, 33 requests have been received, representing 22 languages.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/topics/idn/fast-track/ ICANN]</ref> More than half have already been approved.<ref>[http://www.ausregistry.com/blog/?p=342 AUSRegistry]</ref>
An '''open ccTLD''' refers to a country code top level domain name that can be registered by anyone, regardless of which country the person resides in. These ccTLDs generally  represent a particular branding opportunity aside from the name of the country or territory it represents. Examples include [[.cc]] (Cocos Island) for consulting companies, [[.tv]] (Tuvalu) for television, [[.ws]] (Western Samoa) for websites, and [[.co]] (Colombia) as an alternative to [[.com]] for companies.<ref>[http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/archived_content/people/edelman/open-cctlds/ Registrations in Open ccTLDs]</ref>  


===.cc and .tv===
==Pseudo-ccTLD==
[[Verisign]] is the registry operator of both .cc and .tv open ccTLDs. [[eNIC]], a subsidiary company of Verisign, manages the operation and marketing of .cc. The company promotes the ccTLD as a good alternative for the .com and .net domain name spaces. The target users for the .cc include entities that who want to develop website representing a Chinese company, country club, consulting company, chat community, church community, community center, chamber of commerce, or community college.<ref>[http://www.verisigninc.com/en_US/products-and-services/domain-name-services/registry-services/cc-domain-names/index.xhtml .CC Domain Names - Unique Names for Niche Markets]</ref>


[[TodayISP.com]], one of the registrars offering .cc, describes the ccTLD as a new international domain name having the same features of the [[.com]] and [[.net]], as it is understood by users as an acronym for commercial company, it offers potential business value, and is becoming the latest fashion in domain names, making its value increase.<ref>[http://www.todayisp.com/domain/intro_cc.net What Is .CC Domain?]</ref>
A pseudo-ccTLD mimics an official country code domain without formal recognition, often used for branding or to suggest geographical affiliation.


The .tv ccTLD is currently operated by [[dotTV]], another subsidiary company of Verisign. Domain names using the .tv ccTLD are registered by entities involved in the television, film, and animation industries, as well as individuals providing video contents in their blogs or websites.<ref>[http://watch.tv/about-tv/index.html About .tv]</ref> Internet users understand that a .tv domain name offers video content. In 2006, [[Demand Media]] and Verisign partnered to promote the .tv TLD as a preferred web address for media rich content. [[Richard Rosenblatt]], Chairman and CEO of Demand Media, explained that the landscape of Internet media is changing quickly, and many users want to publish and share their own video materials. According to Rosenblatt, "By registering a .tv domain name and adding video content of their choosing, users can program their own channel."<ref>[http://www.webhosting.info/news/1/verisign-and-demand-media--to-promote-.tv-domain-names-_1214066304.htm VeriSign and Demand Media to Promote .tv Domain Names]</ref>
==Open ccTLDs==


===.co===
''Related Article - [[Open Use ccTLD]]''<br>
The Colombian Ministry of Information Technology and Communication assigned the management of the .co ccTLD registry to the [[.co Internet|.CO Internet SAS]], a joint venture between [[Arcelandia SA]] and [[Neustar]], Inc. Since its launch in February 2010, the .co ccTLD has been marketed by .co Internet as a "new, flexible, and safe global extension" for internet users worldwide.<ref>[http://www.cointernet.co/sites/default/files/documents/World-Trademark-Review-Update-.co-extension-is-launched.pdf '.co' extension is launched]</ref>
An '''open ccTLD''' refers to a country code top level domain name that can be registered by anyone, regardless of which country the person resides in. These ccTLDs generally  represent a particular branding opportunity aside from the name of the country or territory it represents. Examples include [[.cc]] (Cocos Island) for consulting companies, [[.tv]] (Tuvalu) for television, [[.ws]] (Western Samoa) for websites, and [[.co]] (Colombia) as an alternative to [[.com]] for companies.<ref>[http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/archived_content/people/edelman/open-cctlds/ Registrations in Open ccTLDs]</ref>  


According to [[Juan Diego Calle]], CEO of .co Internet, the [[.co]] TLD will serve as a good alternative for users who are looking for a credible, global and recognizable domain name that is affordable and critical to achieving their online success. He explained that .co is well-known worldwide by Internet users as a short term for corporation or company, and the .co domain name space will provide millions of users the opportunity register their desired domain names to establish their online presence. Calle said that his company is targeting Internet users around the world who have dreams, ideas or contents to share.<ref>[http://www.thedomains.com/2010/05/16/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-co-our-exclusive-interview-with-the-ceo-juan-calle/ Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About .CO; Our Exclusive Interview With The CEO Juan Calle]</ref>
==Current ccTLDs==
 
.CO Internet SAS is promoting the .co TLD as an easy to remember top level domain representing companies, corporations, communities, content, etc. and searchable, secure, committed, confident, flexible, networked with a growing community.<ref>[http://www.cointernet.co/domain About .co]</ref> <ref>[http://www.opportunity.co/about/#/benefits Benefits of .Co]</ref>
 
Some companies use the .co domain space as a branded shortener or in [[Domain Hack|domain hacks]], such as with [[Overstock.com]] (O.co), [[Twitter]] (T.co), Politico (politi.co), Venture Hacks (vh.co), [[Google]] (g.co), etc.<ref> [http://www.cointernet.co/domain/many-uses Many uses of .co]</ref> Others use it as a [[URL]] shortener, such as [[GoDaddy]]'s x.co.<ref>[http://app.x.co/ URL Shortener]</ref>


===.fm and .am===
The [[.fm]] and [[.am]] ccTLDs are marketed by [[BRS Media Inc.]] for use by music, radio, and social media websites. A percentage of the income from .fm registrations goes back to the government and people of the Federated States of Micronesia.<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.fm Wikipedia .fm]</ref> .am has also been used in the [[Domain Hack|domain hack]] instagr.am.<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.am Wikipedia .am]</ref>
===.ws===
The .ws ccTLD is managed and operated by [[SamoaNIC]],<ref>[http://samoanic.ws/index.dhtml samoanic.ws]</ref> and it is promoting the TLD as a shortened form of Web Site or World Site.<ref>[http://nuvi.be/allabouttlds All About TLD]</ref> The marketing strategy provides users global presence. The marketing program for .ws is carried out by [[Global Domains International Incorporated]].<ref>[http://worldsite.ws/?sponsor=idntraffic Worldsite.ws]</ref>
===.me===
The ccTLD of Montenegro, [[.me]], has been marketed by [[DoMEn]] for use by bloggers, social media users, and socially inclined websites and companies.<ref>[http://kozmedia.com/for-countries-that-own-shorter-web-site-suffixes-extra-cash-from-abroad/222400/ For Countries That own Shorter Web Site Suffixes Extra Cash, Kozmedia.com]</ref>
==Current ccTLDs==
The following is a list of the current ccTLDs, including their [[registry]] operators and any special notes about registration of the domains.<ref>[http://www.iana.org/domains/root/db/ IANA Root Zone Database]</ref><ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Internet_top-level_domains#Internationalized_country_code_top-level_domains Wikipedia: List of Internet to-level domains]</ref>
The following is a list of the current ccTLDs, including their [[registry]] operators and any special notes about registration of the domains.<ref>[http://www.iana.org/domains/root/db/ IANA Root Zone Database]</ref><ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Internet_top-level_domains#Internationalized_country_code_top-level_domains Wikipedia: List of Internet to-level domains]</ref>


<table border="1" style="border-style: solid; border-color: darkgray; border-collapse: collapse" width="63%" cellpadding="6" width="900px"><tr><td>'''ccTLD'''</td><td>'''Entity'''</td><td>'''Registry Operator'''</td><td width="150px">'''Notes'''</td></tr>
<table border="1" style="border-style: solid; border-color: darkgray; border-collapse: collapse" width="63%" cellpadding="6" width="900px"><tr><td>'''ccTLD'''</td><td>'''Entity'''</td><td>'''Registry Operator'''</td><td width="150px">'''Notes'''</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[.ac]]</td><td>Ascension Island</td><td>[[Nic.ac]]</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>[[.ac]]</td><td>Ascension Island</td><td>[[NIC.ac|NIC.AC]]</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>[[.ad]]</td><td>Andorra</td><td>[[Andorra Telecom]]</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>[[.ad]]</td><td>Andorra</td><td>[[Andorra Telecom]]</td><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>[[.ae]]</td><td>United Arab Emirates</td><td>[[UAEnic]]</td><td></td>
<tr><td>[[.ae]]</td><td>United Arab Emirates</td><td>[[Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority |Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA)]]</td><td></td>
<tr><td>[[.af]]</td><td>Afghanistan</td><td>[[AfgNIC]]</td><td></td>
<tr><td>[[.af]]</td><td>Afghanistan</td><td>[[AfgNIC]]</td><td></td>
<tr><td>[[.ag]]</td><td>Antigua and Barbuda</td><td>[[Nic AG]]</td><td></td>
<tr><td>[[.ag]]</td><td>Antigua and Barbuda</td><td>[[Nic AG]]</td><td></td>
<tr><td>[[.ai]]</td><td>Anguilla</td><td>[[Government of Anguilla]]</td><td></td>
<tr><td>[[.ai]]</td><td>Anguilla</td><td>[[Government of Anguilla]]</td><td></td>
<tr><td>[[.al]]</td><td>Albania</td><td>Albania Electronic and Postal Communications Authority ([[AKEP]])</td><td></td>
<tr><td>[[.al]]</td><td>Albania</td><td>Albania Electronic and Postal Communications Authority ([[AKEP]])</td><td></td>
<tr><td>[[.am]]</td><td>Armenia</td><td>[[ISOC.AM]] (Armenian Branch of [[ISOC]])</td><td></td>
<tr><td>[[.am]]</td><td>Armenia</td><td>[[ISOC.AM]] (Internet Society NGO, based in Armenia 1994, 4 August)</td><td></td>
<tr><td>[[.an]]</td><td>Antilles (Netherlands)</td><td>[[University of the Netherlands Antilles]]</td><td>Being phased out</td>
<tr><td>[[.an]]</td><td>Antilles (Netherlands)</td><td>[[University of the Netherlands Antilles]]</td><td>Being phased out</td>
<tr><td>[[.ao]]</td><td>Angola</td><td>[[Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade Agostinho Neto]]</td><td></td>
<tr><td>[[.ao]]</td><td>Angola</td><td>[[Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade Agostinho Neto]]</td><td></td>
Line 115: Line 104:
<tr><td>[[.do]]</td><td>Dominican Republic</td><td>[[Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra Recinto Santo Tomas de Aquino]]</td><td></td>  
<tr><td>[[.do]]</td><td>Dominican Republic</td><td>[[Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra Recinto Santo Tomas de Aquino]]</td><td></td>  
<tr><td>[[.dz]]</td><td>Algeria</td><td>[[NIC.dz]]</td><td></td>
<tr><td>[[.dz]]</td><td>Algeria</td><td>[[NIC.dz]]</td><td></td>
<tr><td>[[.ec]]</td><td>Ecuador</td><td>[[NIC.EC]]</td><td></td>  
<tr><td>[[.ec]]</td><td>Ecuador</td><td>[https://nic.ec ECUADORDOMAIN S.A.]</td><td></td>  
<tr><td>[[.ee]]</td><td>Estonia</td><td>[[Estonian Internet Foundation]]</td><td>Estonian postal address required for administrative contact</td>  
<tr><td>[[.ee]]</td><td>Estonia</td><td>[[Estonian Internet Foundation]]</td><td>Estonian postal address required for administrative contact</td>  
<tr><td>[[.eg]]</td><td>Egypt</td><td>[[EUN Supreme Council of Universities]]</td><td></td>  
<tr><td>[[.eg]]</td><td>Egypt</td><td>[[EUN Supreme Council of Universities]]</td><td></td>  
Line 180: Line 169:
<tr><td>[[.kz]]</td><td>Kazakhstan</td><td>[[Association of IT Companies of Kazakhstan]]</td><td></td>  
<tr><td>[[.kz]]</td><td>Kazakhstan</td><td>[[Association of IT Companies of Kazakhstan]]</td><td></td>  
<tr><td>[[.la]]</td><td>Laos</td><td>[[LANIC]]</td><td>Currently marketed as an unofficial domain for Los Angeles</td>  
<tr><td>[[.la]]</td><td>Laos</td><td>[[LANIC]]</td><td>Currently marketed as an unofficial domain for Los Angeles</td>  
<tr><td>[[.lb]]</td><td>Lebanon</td><td>[[American University of Beirut Computing and Networking Services]]</td><td> Restricted to companies within Lebanon</td>  
<tr><td>[[.lb]]</td><td>Lebanon</td><td>[https://www.isoc.org.lb/ Internet Society Lebanon (ISOC-LB)] </td><td></td>  
<tr><td>[[.lc]]</td><td>Saint Lucia</td><td>[[University of Puerto Rico]]</td><td></td>  
<tr><td>[[.lc]]</td><td>Saint Lucia</td><td>[[University of Puerto Rico]]</td><td></td>  
<tr><td>[[.li]]</td><td>Liechtenstein</td><td>[[Universitaet Liechtenstein]]</td><td></td>  
<tr><td>[[.li]]</td><td>Liechtenstein</td><td>[[Universitaet Liechtenstein]]</td><td></td>  
Line 259: Line 248:
<tr><td>[[.sm]]</td><td>San Marino</td><td>[[Telecom Italia San Marino]]</td><td>Domain name must be same as company name or trademark</td>  
<tr><td>[[.sm]]</td><td>San Marino</td><td>[[Telecom Italia San Marino]]</td><td>Domain name must be same as company name or trademark</td>  
<tr><td>[[.sn]]</td><td>Senegal</td><td>[[Universite Cheikh Anta Diop]]</td><td></td>  
<tr><td>[[.sn]]</td><td>Senegal</td><td>[[Universite Cheikh Anta Diop]]</td><td></td>  
<tr><td>[[.so]]</td><td>Somalia</td><td>[[Somali Ministry of Posts and Communications]]</td><td>Relaunched on Novemner 1, 2010</td>  
<tr><td>[[.so]]</td><td>Somalia</td><td>[[SONIC]]</td><td>Relaunched on Novemner 1, 2010</td>  
<tr><td>[[.sr]]</td><td>Suriname</td><td>[[Telesur]]</td><td></td>  
<tr><td>[[.sr]]</td><td>Suriname</td><td>[[Telesur]]</td><td></td>  
<tr><td>[[.ss]]</td><td>South Sudan</td><td>Unassigned</td><td>Currently not in root zone</td>  
<tr><td>[[.ss]]</td><td>South Sudan</td><td>Unassigned</td><td>Currently not in root zone</td>  
Line 311: Line 300:
{{reflist}}</div>
{{reflist}}</div>


[[Category: Glossary]]
[[Category:TLD]]
[[Category: Acronym]]

Latest revision as of 17:40, 20 November 2024

This article needs attention. Please help improve it by revising the article in accordance with ICANNWiki's content guidelines. In particular, ensure a neutral point of view and proper sourcing of information.

A Country Code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD) is a two-letter Internet top-level domains (TLDs) specifically designated for a particular country, sovereign state or autonomous territory for use to service their community. ccTLDs are derived from ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country codes.[1]

Implementation[edit | edit source]

The implementation of ccTLDs was started by IANA, which is not a physical organization or an individual but it is part of ICANN.[2] The delegation and creation of ccTLDs is presented within RFC 1591. In order to determine whether new ccTLDs should be added or not, the IANA follows the provisions of ISO 3166 - Maintenance Agency. Briefly, "our policy is to create new country-code top-level domains when the country or territory is listed on the ISO 3166-1 standard."

More information related to the development of new ccTLDs can be found in IANA's Procedures for Establishing ccTLDs. [3]

IANA's Procedures for ccTLDs[edit | edit source]

Within its database, IANA maintains authoritative information related to ccTLDs. This includes sponsoring organizations, technical and administrative contacts, name servers, registration URLs and other such information. This type of information provides extra details regarding the IANA's procedures for maintaining the ccTLD database.

Delegation and Redelegation[edit | edit source]

The process through which the designated manager, or managers, is changed is known as redelegation. The redelegation process follows the provisions of ICP-1 and RFC 1591. IANA receives all requests of a sponsoring organization related to delegation and redelegation for the ccTLDs. The requests are then analyzed by IANA based on various technical and public criterion. The request, accompanied by the IANA analysis, is finally sent to the ICANN Board of Directors for approval or refusal. If approved, IANA is also responsible for the implementation of the request.[4]

Conceptually speaking, the delegation and redelegation processes are simple. However, they can easily become complex if there are many organizations and individuals involved in the process. There is a set of steps that must be followed before sending the request for delegation or redelegation. An initial request should be developed, based on The Change Request Template and supplementary information, to prove that the eligibility criteria have been met by the initial request. All the information supplied is used by IANA to analyze the request received.[4]

ccTLDs and ICANN[edit | edit source]

The policies developed by ICANN are implemented by gTLD registry operators, ccTLD managers, root-nameserver operators and regional Internet registries. One of the main activities of ICANN is to work with other organizations involved in the technical coordination of the Internet, with the purpose of formally documenting their participatory role within the ICANN process. These organizations are committed to the ICANN policies that result from their work.

In 2000, ICANN started cooperating with ccTLD managers to document their relationship. The relationships between ICANN and ccTLD mangers are often complex. Complexities arise due to various circumstances, including the type of organization, cultural issues, economics, the legal environment, etc. Another consideration is the role of the national government in "managing or establishing policy for their own ccTLD" (role recognized in the June 1998, U.S. Government White Paper).[5]

In 2009, ICANN began the implementation of an IDN ccTLD Fast Track Process,[6] whereby countries that use non-Latin script are able to claim ccTLDs in their native script and the corresponding Latin version. As of early 2011, 33 requests have been received, representing 22 languages.[7] More than half have already been approved.[8]

Pseudo-ccTLD[edit | edit source]

A pseudo-ccTLD mimics an official country code domain without formal recognition, often used for branding or to suggest geographical affiliation.

Open ccTLDs[edit | edit source]

Related Article - Open Use ccTLD
An open ccTLD refers to a country code top level domain name that can be registered by anyone, regardless of which country the person resides in. These ccTLDs generally represent a particular branding opportunity aside from the name of the country or territory it represents. Examples include .cc (Cocos Island) for consulting companies, .tv (Tuvalu) for television, .ws (Western Samoa) for websites, and .co (Colombia) as an alternative to .com for companies.[9]

Current ccTLDs[edit | edit source]

The following is a list of the current ccTLDs, including their registry operators and any special notes about registration of the domains.[10][11]

ccTLDEntityRegistry OperatorNotes
.acAscension IslandNIC.AC
.adAndorraAndorra Telecom
.aeUnited Arab EmiratesTelecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA)
.afAfghanistanAfgNIC
.agAntigua and BarbudaNic AG
.aiAnguillaGovernment of Anguilla
.alAlbaniaAlbania Electronic and Postal Communications Authority (AKEP)
.amArmeniaISOC.AM (Internet Society NGO, based in Armenia 1994, 4 August)
.anAntilles (Netherlands)University of the Netherlands AntillesBeing phased out
.aoAngolaFaculdade de Engenharia da Universidade Agostinho Neto
.aqAntarcticaMott and AssociatesAvailable to government organizations who are signatories to the Antarctic Treaty, and other registrants with a local physical presence.
.arArgentinaNIC Argentina
.asAmerican SamoaAS Domain Registry
.atAustriaNic.at
.auAustraliaauDAABN (Australian Business Number) required
.awArubaSETARRestricted to local companies, organizations, and citizens
.axAland IslandsÅlands Landskapsregeringen
.azAzerbaijanIntraNS
.baBosnia and HerzegovinaUTIC
.bbBarbadosGovernment of Barbados Ministry of Economic Affairs and Development Telecommunications Unit
.bdBangladeshMinistry of Post & Telecommunications Bangladesh Secretariat
.beBelgiumDNS BelgiumAlso unofficially used in Berne, Switzerland
.bfBurkina FasoARCEP
.bgBulgariaRegister.BG
.bhBahrainBATELCO
.biBurundiBurundi National Center of Information Technology
.bjBeninOffices des Postes et Telecommunications
.blSaint BarthelemyUnassignedCurrently not in root zone
.bmBermudaRegistry General Ministry of Labour and ImmigrationLocal corporate registration required
.bnBrunei DarussalamJabatan Telekom Brunei
.boBoliviaAgencia para el Desarrollo de la Información de la Sociedad en Bolivia
.bqBonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaUnassignedCurrently not in root zone
.brBrazilNIC.brTop level registration is restricted, registration at second level
.bsBahamasThe College of the Bahamas
.btBhutanMinistry of Information and Communications
.bvBouvet IslandUNINETT Norid ASNot in use
.bwBotswanaBotswana Telecommunications Corporation
.byBelarusOpen Contact Ltd.
.bzBelizeUniversity of Belize
.caCanadaCIRASubject to Canadian Presence Requirements
.ccCocos (Keeling) IslandseNIC Cocos Islands Pty. Ltd.Second level domains used in free, public domain service
.cdDemocratic Republic of the CongoCDNIC
.cfCentral African RepublicDot CF
.cgRepublic of CongoONPT Congo and Interpoint Switzerland
.chSwitzerlandSWITCH
.ciCote d'IvoireINP-HB
.ckCook IslandsTelecom Cook Islands Ltd.
.clChileNIC ChileLocal presence required
.cmCameroonCAMTELRestricted to local entities/companies
.cnChinaCNNICRegistration allowed worldwide
.coColombia.co Internet
.crCosta RicaAcademia Nacional de Ciencias
.cuCubaCENIA
.cvCape VerdeANAC
.cwCuraçaoUniversity of the Netherlands Antilles
.cxChristmas IslandChristmas Island Internet Administration Ltd.
.cyCyprusUniversity of Cyprus
.czCzech RepublicCZ.NIC
.deGermanyDENICGerman postal address required for administrative contact
.djDjiboutiDjibouti Telecom SA
.dkDenmarkDK Hostmaster
.dmDominicaDotDM Corporation
.doDominican RepublicPontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra Recinto Santo Tomas de Aquino
.dzAlgeriaNIC.dz
.ecEcuadorECUADORDOMAIN S.A.
.eeEstoniaEstonian Internet FoundationEstonian postal address required for administrative contact
.egEgyptEUN Supreme Council of Universities
.ehWestern SaharaUnassignedCurrently not in root zone
.erEritreaEriTel
.esSpainRED.ES
.etEthiopiaEthiopian Telecommunications Corporation
.euEuropean UnionEURidRestricted to institutions, companies, and individuals within the European Union
.fiFinlandFICORARegistration is available to everyone all around the world
.fjFijiThe University of the South Pacific IT Services
.fkFalkland Islands (Malvinas)Falkland Islands Government
.fmFederated States of MicronesiaFSM Telecommunications Corporation
.foFaroe IslandsFO Council
.frFranceAFNICFrench presence required
.gaGabonGabon Telecom
.gbUnited KingdomUnassigned, reserved domainOriginally meant to replace .uk
.gdGrenadaNTRC
.geGeorgiaCaucasus Online
.gfFrench GuianaNet Plus
.ggGuernseyIsland Networks
.ghGhanaNetwork Computer Systems
.giGibraltarSapphire Networks
.glGreenlandTELE Greenland AS
.gmGambiaGM-NIC
.gnGuineaCentre National des Sciences Halieutiques de Boussoura
.gpGuadeloupeNetworking Technologies Group
.gqEquatorial GuineaGETESA
.grGreeceGR-Hostmaster
.gsSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsGSGSSI
.gtGuatemalaUniversidad del Valle de Guatemala
.guGuamUniversity of Guam Computer Center
.gwGuinea-BissauARN
.gyGuyanaUniversity of Guyana
.hkHong KongHong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Ltd.
.hmHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHM Domain Registry
.hnHondurasRed de Desarrollo Sostenible Honduras
.hrCroatiaCARNet
.htHaitiConsortium FDS/RDDH
.huHungaryCHIP
.idIndonesiaIDNIC-PPAU Mikroelektronika
.ieIrelandIE Domain Registry LimitedLimited to Irish citizens, Ireland-registered brands and companies, and companies doing business in Ireland
.ilIsraelISOC-IL (Israeli Branch of ISOC)
.imIsle of ManIsle of Man Government
.inIndiaNIXI
.ioBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryIO Top Level Domain Registry Cable and Wireless
.iqIraqCMC
.irIslamic Republic of IranIRNIC
.isIcelandISNIC
.itItalyIIT - CNRRestricted to companies and individuals within the EU
.jeJerseyIsland Networks
.jmJamaicaUniversity of West Indies
.joJordanNITC
.jpJapanJapan Registry ServicesPhysical address within Japan required
.keKenyaKENIC
.kgKyrgyzstanAsiaInfo Telecommunications Enterprise
.khCambodiaCambodia Ministry of Post and Telecommunications
.kiKiribatiMinistry of Communications, Transport, and Tourism Development
.kmComorosComores Telecom
.knSaint Kitts and NevisMinistry of Finance, Sustainable Development Information & Technology
.kpDemocratic People's Republic of KoreaStar Joint Venture Company
.krRepublic of KoreaKISA
.kwKuwaitMinistry of Communications
.kyCaymen IslandsThe Information and Communication AuthorityRestricted to qualified Cayman entities
.kzKazakhstanAssociation of IT Companies of Kazakhstan
.laLaosLANICCurrently marketed as an unofficial domain for Los Angeles
.lbLebanonInternet Society Lebanon (ISOC-LB)
.lcSaint LuciaUniversity of Puerto Rico
.liLiechtensteinUniversitaet Liechtenstein
.lkSri LankaCouncil for Information Technology and LK Domain Registrar
.lrLiberiaData Technology Solutions, Inc.
.lsLesothoNational University of Lesotho
.ltLithuaniaDomreg
.luLuxembourgRESTENA
.lvLatviaNIC.LV
.lyLibyaGeneral Post and Telecommunications Company
.maMoroccoANRT
.mcMonacoGouvernement de Monaco Direction des Communications Electroniques
.mdRepublic of MoldovaMoldDataMarketed to medical professionals worldwide
.meMontenegrodoMEn
.mfSaint MartinUnassignedCurrently not in root zone
.mgMadagascarNIC-MG
.mhMarshall IslandsCabinet Office
.mkMacedoniaMinistry of Foreign RelationsRestricted to companies within Macedonia
.mlMaliSotelma
.mmMyanmarMinistry of Communications, Posts & Telegraphs
.mnMongoliaDatacom Co., Ltd.
.moMacaoUniversity of Macau
.mpNorthern Mariana IslandsSaipan Datacom
.mqMartiniqueSYSTEL
.mrMauritaniaUniversity of Nouakchott
.msMontserratMNI Networks Ltd.
.mtMaltaNIC Malta
.muMauritiusMauritius Network Information Centre
.mvMaldivesDHIVEHINET
.mwMalawiMalawi SDNP
.mxMexicoNIC Mexico
.myMalaysiaMYNICRestricted to individuals and companies within Malaysia
.mzMozambiqueCentro de Informatica de Universidade Eduardo Mondlane
.naNamibiaNamibian Network Information Centre
.ncNew CaledoniaOffice des Postes et Telecommunications
.neNigerSONITEL
.nfNorfolk IslandNorfolk Island Data Services
.ngNigeriaNiRA
.niNicaraguaUniversidad Nacional del Ingernieria Centro de Computo
.nlNetherlandsStichting Internet Domeinregistratie Nederland (SIDN)Was the first official ccTLD to be assigned
.noNorwayUNINETT Norid ASRestricted to companies in Norway. Individuals may register under the SLD .priv.no.
.npNepalMercantile Communications
.nrNauruCENPAC NETSecond level domain .co.nr is used as a free domain service
.nuNiueInternetstiftelsen i SverigeUnofficially used as "new" for English language websites and "now" for Danish, Dutch, and Swedish websites.
.nzNew ZealandInternetNZ
.omOmanTRA
.paPanamaUniversidad Tecnologica de Panama
.pePeruRed Cientifica Peruana
.pfFrench PolynesiaMinistère des Postes et Télécommunications
.pgPapua New GuineaPNG DNS Administration
.phPhilippinesPH Domain Foundation
.pkPakistanPKNIC
.plPolandNASK
.pmSaint Pierre and MiquelonAFNIC
.pnPitcairnPitcairn Island Administration
.prPuerto RicoGauss Research Laboratory Inc (GRL-INC)
.psPalestinePalestinian National Internet Naming Authority (PNINA)
.ptPortugalDNS.PT
.pwPalauMicronesia Investment and Development Corporation
.pyParaguayNIC-PY
.qaQatarictQATAR
.reReunionAFNICRestricted to brand owners in Reunion and to companies with an address in Reunion.
.roRomaniaRomanian Research Network
.rsSerbiaSerbian National Register of Internet Domain Names (RNIDS)
.ruRussiaCoordination Center for TLD RU
.rwRwandaNIC Congo
.saSaudi ArabiaCommunications and Information Technology
.sbSolomon IslandsSolomon Telekom Company
.scSeychellesVCS
.sdSudanSudan Internet Society
.seSwedenInternetstiftelsen i Sverige
.sgSingaporeSGNIC
.shSaint HelenaGovernment of St. Helena
.siSloveniaARNES
.sjSvalbard and Jan MayenUNINETT Norid ASNot in use
.skSlovakiaSK-NICRestricted to Slovakian companies, organizations, and citizens
.slSierra LeoneSierratel
.smSan MarinoTelecom Italia San MarinoDomain name must be same as company name or trademark
.snSenegalUniversite Cheikh Anta Diop
.soSomaliaSONICRelaunched on Novemner 1, 2010
.srSurinameTelesur
.ssSouth SudanUnassignedCurrently not in root zone
.stSao Tome and PrincipeTecnisys
.suSoviet UnionROSNIIROSBeing phased out in favor of .ru
.svEl SalvadorSVNet
.sxSint MaartenSX Registry
.sySyriaNANS
.szSwazilandSISPA
.tcTurks and Caicos IslandsMelrexTC
.tdChadSotel TchadRestricted to entities connected with Chad
.tfFrench Southern TerritoriesAFNIC
.tgTogoC.A.F.E. Informatique et Telecommunications
.thThailandTHNIC
.tjTajikistanInformation Technology Center
.tkTokelauTeletokUsed as a free public domain service
.tlTimor-LesteMinistry Infrastructure Information and Technology Division Old code, .tp, still also in use
.tmTurkmenistanTM Domain Registry
.tnTunisiaTunisia Telecommunications Agency ATI
.toTongaGovernment of the Kingdom of TongaUnofficially used for torrent, Toronto, and Tokyo
.tpPortuguese TimorUnassignedBeing phased out in favor of .tl
.trTurkeyNIC.TR.nc.tr used by Northern Cyprus
.ttTrinidad and TobagoUniversity of the West Indies Faculty of Engineering
.tvTuvaluMinistry of Finance and TourismUsed as a abbreviation for television
.twTaiwanTWNICRegistration allowed worldwide
.tzTanzaniaTzNICPresence within Tanzania required
.uaUkraineHostmaster LTD
.ugUgandaCharles Musisi
.ukUnited KingdomNominetUK service address required
.umUnited States Minor Outlying IslandsUnassignedCurrently not in root zone
.usUnited StatesNeuStarCommonly used by US state and local governments instead of .gov
.uyUruguaySeCIU
.uzUzbekistanUZINFOCOM
.vaVatican CityInternet Office of the Holy SeeLimited to officials sites of the Vatican/Holy See
.vcSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesMinistry of Telecommunications, Science, Technology and Industry
.veVenezuelaCONATEL
.vgBritish Virgin IslandsPinebrook Developments Ltd.
.viUS Virgin IslandsNIC.vi
.vnVietnamVNNIC
.vuVanuatuTelecom Vanuatu Ltd.
.wfWallis and FutunaAFNIC
.wsSamoaGovernment of Samoa Ministry of Foreign Affairs
.ytMayoteAFNIC
.zaSouth AfricaZADNA
.zmZambiaZAMNET
.zwZimbabweZISPA

References[edit | edit source]