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 Policies on Registry Services

ICANN has two primary requirements regarding the registry services:

1. First, registries of unsponsored top level domains TLDs can only charge registrars to register new domain names with the initial maximum price established by ICANN. For .com, .info, .biz, .org and .name, price cap for new domain name registration or renewals is $6.00. 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 percentage increase per year is 10% while the initial maximum price for new registrations of third-level domain names .pro is $6.00 and $6.50 for second-level domain names. ICANN has no price restrictions for sponsored TLDs (sTLDs).
2. Second, registry operators are not allowed to own more than 15% of registrars within the TLD.

Top-Level Domain