.aq
.aq is the Internet ccTLD for Antarctica. The "aq" It is derived from the French "Antarctique". It is managed by Peter Mott of Antarctica Network Information Centre Limited, located in New Zealand.[1] It was created in 1992 with the intention of serving entities that have a physical presence in Antarctica or are significantly contributing to the Antarctic community. Exceptionally, this is one of the few ccTLDs which can issue domain names directly at second level and is also among the rare domain extensions that do not have a dedicated WHOIS server.[2]
Rules[edit | edit source]
The .aq domain is for bodies managing work in Antarctica. A physical presence is needed for .aq domain registration. The .aq domain is available to government organizations who are signatories of the Antarctic Treaty. A .aq domain name is also available to registrants who have a physical presence in Antarctica. This included unattended installations owned or operated by the registrant, and short term visits by the registrant or its employees. Plus, a letter signed by the officer in charge of the base or expedition is needed.[3]