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'''.co''' is a [[country code top-level domain names ([[ccTLD]]) in the [[Root Zone|root zone]] of the internet Domain Name System ([[DNS]]), which was assigned to the country of Colombia as per ISO-3166-1 code. Given the similarity to .com and its availability, a government supported entity was created between [[Arcelandia S.A.]] and [[Neustar]], resulting in  [[.co Internet|.CO Internet SAS]], which manages .co as an [[ccTLD#Open ccTLD|open ccTLD]]. <ref>[http://www.iana.org/reports/2009/co-report-24nov2009.html Redelegation of the .CO domain representing Colombia to .CO Internet SAS]</ref> The domain has no restrictions; domain name registration is open to all entities worldwide and it is marketed as a great alternative to the [[.com]] domain space.
'''.co''' is a [[country code top-level domain names ([[ccTLD]]) in the [[Root Zone|root zone]] of the internet Domain Name System ([[DNS]]), which was assigned to the country of Colombia as per ISO-3166-1 code. Given the similarity to .com and its availability, a government supported entity was created between [[Arcelandia S.A.]] and [[Neustar]], resulting in  [[.co Internet|.CO Internet SAS]], which manages .co as an [[ccTLD#Open ccTLD|open ccTLD]]. <ref>[http://www.iana.org/reports/2009/co-report-24nov2009.html Redelegation of the .CO domain representing Colombia to .CO Internet SAS]</ref> Domain name registration is open to all entities worldwide and it is marketed as a great alternative to the [[.com]] domain space.


==History==
==History==
The .co ccTLD was originally delegated by [[IANA]] to the Universidad de los Andes on December 24, 1991 The University initiated the idea of opening the ccTLD to the global internet community for commercial purposes in 2001, however the plan was blocked by the Colombian Ministry of Communications with legal action. The objection was disputed by the University and informed [[ICANN]] that it intends to continue to commercialize the domain name by appointing a subcontractor that will serve as the registry operator for the domain name.<ref>[http://www.iana.org/reports/2009/co-report-24nov2009.html Redelegation of the .CO domain representing Colombia to .CO Internet SAS]</ref> Mrs. Angela Montoya HolguÌn of the Ministry of Communications seek brought the issue to the International Telecommunications Union ([[ITU]]), State Council Consultation Room and Civil Service and asked if the .co ccTLD has a public nature and if the Colombian government has the authority to regulate it? On December 21, 2001, Radication Number 1376 was issued stating that .co assigned to Colombia is a public interest, its administrations is a point intrinsically related to telecommunications and Colombian government through the Ministry of Communications is competent to plan, regulate and control its functions without prejudice.<ref>[http://www.itu.int/itudoc/itu-t/workshop/cctld/cctld011.pdf  Radication number 1 376, Reference: Internet Domain name]</ref>
The .co ccTLD was originally delegated by [[IANA]] to the Universidad de los Andes on December 24, 1991. The University initiated the idea of opening the ccTLD to the global internet community for commercial purposes in 2001, however the plan was blocked by the Colombian Ministry of Communications with legal action. The objection was disputed by the University, which informed [[ICANN]] that it intends to continue to commercialize the domain name by appointing a subcontractor that will serve as the registry operator for the domain name.<ref>[http://www.iana.org/reports/2009/co-report-24nov2009.html Redelegation of the .CO domain representing Colombia to .CO Internet SAS]</ref> Mrs. Angela Montoya HolguÌn of the Ministry of Communications brought the issue to the [[ITU|International Telecommunications Union]] (ITU), asking if the .co ccTLD has a public nature and if the Colombian government has the authority to regulate it. On December 21, 2001, Radication Number 1376 was issued stating that .co is assigned as a Colombian public interest, its administrations is a point intrinsically related to telecommunications and the Colombian government, through the Ministry of Communications, is competent to regulate its functions without prejudice.<ref>[http://www.itu.int/itudoc/itu-t/workshop/cctld/cctld011.pdf  Radication number 1 376, Reference: Internet Domain name]</ref>


On February 12, 2002, the University informed ICANN that its plan to commercialize .co will no longer proceed, it is experiencing great difficulty managing the operations of the ccTLD after the Council decisions in 2001 and it is planning to terminate its administrative and operational responsibilities in operating the domain name. The University also offered its' full cooperation with ICANN in the smooth and successful transition of the domain name to a new administrator. On May 7, 2010, a resolution was issued by the Colombian Government that confers with Law 72 0f 1989 stating that ".co is a public asset in the telecommunications sector, the administration, maintenance and development of which shall be planned,  regulated and controlled by the State, through the Ministry of Communications." Three days after, a meeting between representatives from the University, Ministry of Communications and ICANN was conducted regarding the future administration of .co, which resulted to an agreement that the University will continue to handle operations of the domain name. On August 12, 2003, the Colombian Minister of Communications informed ICANN that it will take over the administration of the .co due to a directive issued by Council State of Colombia.
On February 12, 2002, the university informed ICANN that its plan to commercialize .co will no longer proceed, as it was experiencing great difficulty managing the operations of the ccTLD after the Council's decisions in 2001; The university was planning to terminate its administrative and operational responsibilities. The University also offered its' full cooperation with ICANN in the smooth and successful transition of the ccTLD to a new administrator. On May 7, 2010, a resolution was issued by the Colombian Government, which states that ".co is a public asset in the telecommunications sector, the administration, maintenance and development of which shall be planned,  regulated and controlled by the State, through the Ministry of Communications." Three days later, a meeting between representatives from the University, the Ministry of Communications, and ICANN was conducted regarding the future administration of .co, which resulted in an agreement that the University will continue to handle operations of the domain space. However, on August 12, 2003, the Colombian Minister of Communications informed ICANN that it will take over the administration of the .co due to a directive issued by Council State of Colombia.
ON July 29, 2006, Law 1065 of 2006 was enacted by the Colombian Government stating that the Ministry of Communications is responsible in administering registration services of .co ccTLD and it may award a 10-year contract to private parties to handle it in accordance with the law. The agreement is renewable for one term only.On June 2007, ICANN Root Zone Management Staff explained the requirements for the re-delegation process for the .co domain name to the Ministry of Communications and encouraged the Ministry to carry out an open and transparent bottom-up consensus driven approach in selecting the next trustee for the .co ccTLD.<ref>[http://www.iana.org/reports/2009/co-report-24nov2009.html Redelegation of the .CO domain representing Colombia to .CO Internet SAS]</ref>


On August 19, 2009, .CO Internet S.A.S. was selected by the Ministry to serve as the next administrator of the domain.<ref>[http://www.cointernet.co/media/press-releases/colombia-awards-co-cctld-registry-contract-co-internet-sas Colombia Awards .CO ccTLD Registry Contract to .CO Internet S.A.S.]</ref> IANA received a re-delegation request from the Ministry on September 17, 2009. The [[ICANN Board]] approved the re-delegation of the domain to .CO Internet S.AS. on December 9, 2009.<ref>[https://community.icann.org/display/tap/2009-12-09+-+Redelegation+of+the+.CO+Domain 2009-12-09 - Redelegation of the .CO Domain]</ref> The administrator of the received 40,000 registrations when the domain was pre-launched on February 2010. The global launched was conducted on July 10. During the global launching of the domain,  [[Juan Diego Calle]], CEO of .CO Internet SAS said, ".co domain will create new opportunities in global commerce, content development, social media and other forms of interactivity, which will enrich the overall internet experience for everyone.”<ref>[http://www.itpro.co.uk/625354/new-co-domain-goes-up-for-sale New .co domain goes up for sale]</ref>
On July 29, 2006, Law 1065 of 2006 was enacted by the Colombian Government stating that the Ministry of Communications is responsible for administering registration services of the .co ccTLD and it may award a 10-year contract to private parties to handle it in accordance with the law. The agreement was to be renewable for one term only. On June 2007, ICANN Root Zone Management Staff explained the requirements for the re-delegation process for the .co domain name to the Ministry of Communications and encouraged the Ministry to carry out an open and transparent bottom-up consensus driven approach in selecting the next trustee for the .co ccTLD.<ref>[http://www.iana.org/reports/2009/co-report-24nov2009.html Redelegation of the .CO domain representing Colombia to .CO Internet SAS]</ref>
 
On August 19, 2009, [[.CO Internet]] S.A.S. was selected by the Ministry to serve as the next administrator of the domain.<ref>[http://www.cointernet.co/media/press-releases/colombia-awards-co-cctld-registry-contract-co-internet-sas Colombia Awards .CO ccTLD Registry Contract to .CO Internet S.A.S.]</ref> [[IANA]] received a re-delegation request from the Ministry on September 17, 2009. The [[ICANN Board]] approved the re-delegation of the domain to .CO Internet S.AS. on December 9, 2009.<ref>[https://community.icann.org/display/tap/2009-12-09+-+Redelegation+of+the+.CO+Domain 2009-12-09 - Redelegation of the .CO Domain]</ref> 40,000 pre-registrations were received through the company's [[Sunrise Period|sunrise]] and launch phases.. The global launched was conducted on July 10. During the global launching of the domain,  [[Juan Diego Calle]], CEO of .CO Internet SAS said, the ".co domain will create new opportunities in global commerce, content development, social media and other forms of interactivity, which will enrich the overall internet experience for everyone.”<ref>[http://www.itpro.co.uk/625354/new-co-domain-goes-up-for-sale New .co domain goes up for sale]</ref>


==Policies==
==Policies==
.CO Internet S.A.S. implements the following policies for .co domain:<ref>[http://www.cointernet.co/domain/policies-procedures .Co Domain Management Plolicies]</ref>
.CO Internet S.A.S. implements the following policies for .co domain:<ref>[http://www.cointernet.co/domain/policies-procedures .Co Domain Management Plolicies]</ref>
* Any person, business or organization may register domain names for a period of 1 to 5 years directly to the company or to any accredited registrar or reseller.
* Any person, business or organization may register domain names for a period of 1 to 5 years directly through the company or to any accredited registrar or reseller.
* Registrants of  are allowed to transfer their .co domain names to another registrar after 60 days.
* Registrants are allowed to transfer their .co domain names to another registrar after 60 days.
* Registrants may renew their domain names before the expiration date of the registration. All expired domain names will be be removed from the registry database and will be made available for other to register.  
* Registrants may renew their domain names before the expiration date of the registration. All expired domain names will be be removed from the registry database and will be made available for others to register.  
* A Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) is implemented to protect to protect owners against trademark and cybersquatting abuses. Domain name complaints willbe handled by the World Intellectual Property Organization ([[WIPO]]) and [[National Arbitration Forum]].
* A [[UDRP|Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy]] (UDRP) is implemented to protect owners against trademark and [[cybersquatting]] abuses. Domain name complaints willbe handled by the [[WIPO|World Intellectual Property Organization]] (WIPO) and [[National Arbitration Forum]].


==Companies Using Single-Letter .Co Domains==
==Companies Using Single-Letter .Co Domains==
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* [[Google]]- g.co was purchased by the company for $1.5 to be used as official URL shortener.<ref>[http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/07/google-spends-at-least-15-million-for-gco-domain-name/242128/ Google Spends at Least $1.5 Million for G.co Domain Name]</ref>
* [[Google]]- g.co was purchased by the company for $1.5 to be used as official URL shortener.<ref>[http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/07/google-spends-at-least-15-million-for-gco-domain-name/242128/ Google Spends at Least $1.5 Million for G.co Domain Name]</ref>
* [[Twitter]]- T.co is used by the company as its official URL shortener to prevent malware and phishing attacks.<ref>[http://mashable.com/2011/10/10/t-co/ Twitter to Reformat All URLs With T.co]</ref>
* [[Twitter]]- T.co is used by the company as its official URL shortener to prevent malware and phishing attacks.<ref>[http://mashable.com/2011/10/10/t-co/ Twitter to Reformat All URLs With T.co]</ref>
* [[Amazon.com]]- The company purchased A.Co, Z.Co, K.Co as well as Cloud.co domains.<ref>[http://techcrunch.com/2011/05/17/amazon-buys-the-a-co-z-co-k-co-and-cloud-co-domains/ Amazon Buys The A.Co, Z.Co, K.Co And Cloud.Co Domains]</ref>
* [[Amazon.com]]- The company purchased A.Co, Z.Co, K.Co as well as Cloud.co.<ref>[http://techcrunch.com/2011/05/17/amazon-buys-the-a-co-z-co-k-co-and-cloud-co-domains/ Amazon Buys The A.Co, Z.Co, K.Co And Cloud.Co Domains]</ref>
* Startup America- an organization dedicated in helping new companies to grow and create jobs in the Unied States registered S.co.<ref>
* Startup America- an organization dedicated to helping new companies to grow and create jobs in the Unied States registered S.co.<ref>
[http://thenextweb.com/us/2012/02/02/startup-america-relocates-to-s-co-url-and-offers-free-co-domains-to-all-members/ Startup America relocates to s.co URL and offers free .co domains to all members]</ref>
[http://thenextweb.com/us/2012/02/02/startup-america-relocates-to-s-co-url-and-offers-free-co-domains-to-all-members/ Startup America relocates to s.co URL and offers free .co domains to all members]</ref>
==Accredited Registrars==
Below are the accredited registrars for .co domain:<ref>[http://www.cointernet.co/registrars/co-registrars .CO Registrars]</ref>
* [[Go Daddy]]
* [[Network Solutions]]
* [[eNom]], Inc.
* [[Name.com]], Llc.
* [[Dotster]]
* [[1 & 1 Internet]]
* [[OpenSRS]]
* [[Domainmonster.com]]
* [[InterNeTX]]
* [[Melbourne IT]]
* [[PublicDomainRegistry.com]]
* [[HEXONET]]
* [[Key-Systems]] GmbH
* [[Register.com]]
* [[united-domains]] AG
* [[Wild West Domains]]
* [[My.co]]
* [[Domainbox.com]]
* [[Dominio Amigo]]
* [[MarkMonitor]], Inc.


==.Co TLD Market Share==
==.Co TLD Market Share==
A recent survey conducted by a doctorate student named Thomas park regarding TLDs used by 1000 start-up companies that were established since 2005-up to 2011 show that 1.0% among start-up are using the .co TLD in 2011. The survey showed that in 2010, .co has only 0.10% market share. It's market share increased by 0.90% in 2011 as a result of the strong marketing campaign launched by .co Internet targeting start-ups. However, it looks like the [[.me]] has a stronger position among start-ups with its 1.7% market share in 2011.<ref>[http://thomaspark.me/2012/02/startups-dotcoms-and-other-tlds/ http://thomaspark.me/2012/02/startups-dotcoms-and-other-tlds/]</ref> <ref>
A 2011 survey conducted by a doctorate student named Thomas Park regarding TLDs used by 1000 start-up companies that were established from 2005 o 2011 show that 1% of start-ups are using the .co TLD. The survey showed that in 2010, .co had only 0.10% market share. It's market share increased by 0.90% in 2011 as a result of the strong marketing campaign targeting start-ups. However, it seems that [[.me]], the [[ccTLD#Open ccTLD|open ccTLD of Montenegro]], has a stronger position among start-ups with its 1.7% market share in 2011.<ref>[http://thomaspark.me/2012/02/startups-dotcoms-and-other-tlds/ http://thomaspark.me/2012/02/startups-dotcoms-and-other-tlds/]</ref><ref>
[http://domainincite.com/me-beating-co-in-start-ups/ .me beating .co in start-ups?]</ref>
[http://domainincite.com/me-beating-co-in-start-ups/ .me beating .co in start-ups?]</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


__Notoc__
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[[Category:TLD]]
[[Category:TLD]]

Revision as of 00:35, 14 September 2012

country: International, Colombia
Manager: Colombian Government
Registry Provider: .CO Internet S.A.S
Date Implemented: 1991
Type: ccTLD/gTLD

More information:

.co is a [[country code top-level domain names (ccTLD) in the root zone of the internet Domain Name System (DNS), which was assigned to the country of Colombia as per ISO-3166-1 code. Given the similarity to .com and its availability, a government supported entity was created between Arcelandia S.A. and Neustar, resulting in .CO Internet SAS, which manages .co as an open ccTLD. [1] Domain name registration is open to all entities worldwide and it is marketed as a great alternative to the .com domain space.

History[edit | edit source]

The .co ccTLD was originally delegated by IANA to the Universidad de los Andes on December 24, 1991. The University initiated the idea of opening the ccTLD to the global internet community for commercial purposes in 2001, however the plan was blocked by the Colombian Ministry of Communications with legal action. The objection was disputed by the University, which informed ICANN that it intends to continue to commercialize the domain name by appointing a subcontractor that will serve as the registry operator for the domain name.[2] Mrs. Angela Montoya HolguÌn of the Ministry of Communications brought the issue to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), asking if the .co ccTLD has a public nature and if the Colombian government has the authority to regulate it. On December 21, 2001, Radication Number 1376 was issued stating that .co is assigned as a Colombian public interest, its administrations is a point intrinsically related to telecommunications and the Colombian government, through the Ministry of Communications, is competent to regulate its functions without prejudice.[3]

On February 12, 2002, the university informed ICANN that its plan to commercialize .co will no longer proceed, as it was experiencing great difficulty managing the operations of the ccTLD after the Council's decisions in 2001; The university was planning to terminate its administrative and operational responsibilities. The University also offered its' full cooperation with ICANN in the smooth and successful transition of the ccTLD to a new administrator. On May 7, 2010, a resolution was issued by the Colombian Government, which states that ".co is a public asset in the telecommunications sector, the administration, maintenance and development of which shall be planned, regulated and controlled by the State, through the Ministry of Communications." Three days later, a meeting between representatives from the University, the Ministry of Communications, and ICANN was conducted regarding the future administration of .co, which resulted in an agreement that the University will continue to handle operations of the domain space. However, on August 12, 2003, the Colombian Minister of Communications informed ICANN that it will take over the administration of the .co due to a directive issued by Council State of Colombia.

On July 29, 2006, Law 1065 of 2006 was enacted by the Colombian Government stating that the Ministry of Communications is responsible for administering registration services of the .co ccTLD and it may award a 10-year contract to private parties to handle it in accordance with the law. The agreement was to be renewable for one term only. On June 2007, ICANN Root Zone Management Staff explained the requirements for the re-delegation process for the .co domain name to the Ministry of Communications and encouraged the Ministry to carry out an open and transparent bottom-up consensus driven approach in selecting the next trustee for the .co ccTLD.[4]

On August 19, 2009, .CO Internet S.A.S. was selected by the Ministry to serve as the next administrator of the domain.[5] IANA received a re-delegation request from the Ministry on September 17, 2009. The ICANN Board approved the re-delegation of the domain to .CO Internet S.AS. on December 9, 2009.[6] 40,000 pre-registrations were received through the company's sunrise and launch phases.. The global launched was conducted on July 10. During the global launching of the domain, Juan Diego Calle, CEO of .CO Internet SAS said, the ".co domain will create new opportunities in global commerce, content development, social media and other forms of interactivity, which will enrich the overall internet experience for everyone.”[7]

Policies[edit | edit source]

.CO Internet S.A.S. implements the following policies for .co domain:[8]

  • Any person, business or organization may register domain names for a period of 1 to 5 years directly through the company or to any accredited registrar or reseller.
  • Registrants are allowed to transfer their .co domain names to another registrar after 60 days.
  • Registrants may renew their domain names before the expiration date of the registration. All expired domain names will be be removed from the registry database and will be made available for others to register.
  • A Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) is implemented to protect owners against trademark and cybersquatting abuses. Domain name complaints willbe handled by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and National Arbitration Forum.

Companies Using Single-Letter .Co Domains[edit | edit source]

Some of the companies and organizations using a single-letter .co domains include:

  • Overstock.com- The company purchased the single-letter domain O.co for $350,000.[9]
  • Google- g.co was purchased by the company for $1.5 to be used as official URL shortener.[10]
  • Twitter- T.co is used by the company as its official URL shortener to prevent malware and phishing attacks.[11]
  • Amazon.com- The company purchased A.Co, Z.Co, K.Co as well as Cloud.co.[12]
  • Startup America- an organization dedicated to helping new companies to grow and create jobs in the Unied States registered S.co.[13]

.Co TLD Market Share[edit | edit source]

A 2011 survey conducted by a doctorate student named Thomas Park regarding TLDs used by 1000 start-up companies that were established from 2005 o 2011 show that 1% of start-ups are using the .co TLD. The survey showed that in 2010, .co had only 0.10% market share. It's market share increased by 0.90% in 2011 as a result of the strong marketing campaign targeting start-ups. However, it seems that .me, the open ccTLD of Montenegro, has a stronger position among start-ups with its 1.7% market share in 2011.[14][15]

References[edit | edit source]