Registry

A Registry is the database of all domain names registered under a certain TLD. A registry operator, also known asNIC or Network Information Center, refers to the person(s) or entity(ies) responsible in providing registry services. These services include customer database administration, zone file publication, DNS operation, marketing and policy determination. A Registry may outsource some, all, or none of these services. Different registries exist for each TLD.

See registry companies

ICANN's Primary Requirements on Registry Services

ICANN has two primary requirements in its agreements with Registry Operators:

1. Registries of unsponsored top level domains (TLDs) can only charge registrars to register new domain names within the TLD with the initial maximum price established by ICANN. For .com, .info, .biz, .org and .name, price cap is $6.00 for new domain name registration or renewals. They are allowed to increase the price annually based on the set percentage; 7% for .com and 10% to other unsponsored TLDs. The price cap for .net is $3.50 and the authorized increase per year is 10% while the initial maximum price for .pro is $6.00 for new registrations of third-level domain names and $6.50 for second-level domain names.
2. Registry operators are not allowed to own more than 15% of registrars within the TLD

Top-Level Domain