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The '''New gTLD Program''' is a current program to add an unlimited number of new [[gTLD]]s to the [[Root Zone|root zone]]. The program's goal is to enhance competition, innovation, and consumer choice.<ref>[http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/about/program About the New gTLD Program icann.org]</ref> The first application round started on January 12th, 2012, and ended on May 0, 2012, during which time [[New gTLD Applicants|applicants]] applied via the [[TAS|TLD Application System]] (TAS) to run the registry for the TLD that they choose. The application window was supposed to close on April 12th, but due to a glitch in the TAS system the system was shut down for a period of time before it reopened for a one week window to allow applicants to finish using the system.

The '''New gTLD Program''' is a current program to add an unlimited number of new [[gTLD]]s to the [[Root Zone|root zone]]. The program's goal is to enhance competition, innovation, and consumer choice.<ref>[http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/about/program About the New gTLD Program icann.org]</ref> The first application round started on January 12th, 2012, and ended on May 0, 2012, during which time [[New gTLD Applicants|applicants]] applied via the [[TAS|TLD Application System]] (TAS) to run the registry for the TLD that they choose. The application window was supposed to close on April 12th, but due to a glitch in the TAS system the system was shut down for a period of time before it reopened for a one week window to allow applicants to finish using the system.

Types of new gTLDs include [[Brand gTLD|Brand TLD]]s, [[Community gTLD|Community TLD]]s, [[IDN]] TLDs, and [[GeoTLD]]s.

==Different Types of new gTLD Applications==

* [[New gTLD Generic Applications|Standard or Generic TLD]] - under this type of application, the proposed new gTLD is open to the public for registration. The string does not have any restriction. These are mostly generic terms, though some applications for generic terms, most notably by [[Amazon]] and [[Google]] propose restricting the use of the TLD to solely corporate purposes

* [[Community gTLD|Community TLD]] - the proposed new gTLDs under this application are restricted to a specific community  with high degree of social awareness. The application should be strongly supported by the community.  Examples of community TLDs include: [[.catholic]], [[.thai]], [[.aarp]]

* [[New gTLD Geographic Applications|Geographical TLD]] - This type of application represents a particular city or region; support of the local government is required for these TLDs, examples include: [[.nyc]], [[.berlin]], [[.tokyo]]

* [[New gTLD Brand Applications|Brand TLD]] - companies and organizations will be able to apply for their own TLDs using their brand names and trademarks. For example: [[.unicef]], [[.motorola]], [[.hitachi]], [[.deloitte]]

ICANN has been working on adding new extensions for years, and the current "new" gTLD program is actually the 4th round of gTLD expansion. The prior rounds were limited and specific: in 2000 there was a "proof of concept round", a round of [[sTLD]]s in 2003, and an ongoing process to introduce [[IDN ccTLD]]s.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/watch-icann-approve-some-new-gtlds/ Watch ICANN Approve Some New gTLDs, DomainIncite.com]</ref>

ICANN has been working on adding new extensions for years, and the current "new" gTLD program is actually the 4th round of gTLD expansion. The prior rounds were limited and specific: in 2000 there was a "proof of concept round", a round of [[sTLD]]s in 2003, and an ongoing process to introduce [[IDN ccTLD]]s.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/watch-icann-approve-some-new-gtlds/ Watch ICANN Approve Some New gTLDs, DomainIncite.com]</ref>