.TEL domain names: FAQ

The .TEL is a service that allows individuals and businesses alike to store and manage all their contact information and keywords directly in the DNS without the need to build, host or manage a website. For more information, see .TEL for businesses and .TEL for individuals.

The value of a .TEL domain lies with the ability to host personal (or corporate) contact information directly in the DNS, which can then be universally accessible. This stands in contrast to the typical use of the DNS for other TLDs, in which the DNS only provides a mapping between domain names and IP addresses.

The .TEL enables you to protect your private data, allowing it to be seen only by people you authorize. For more information, please see How do I protect my Private Data.

Registering .TEL domains will occur in three phases: Sunrise, Landrush and General Availability. For more information on each phase see Launch Information.

You can only purchase your .TEL domain online through an ICANN accredited registrar. Telnic will publish a list of all participating registrars at launch.

You cannot buy .TEL domain names before December 3rd, if you are a trademark owner, or before February 3rd if you are not a trademark owner. Registrars may offer advance booking of .TEL domains.

Prices for a .TEL domain name will vary from registrar to registrar, but should remain comparable with the prices for other popular domain names.

Typically, registrars will allow you to register domain names for up to 10 years.

A preferential registration period called Sunrise will allow trademark owners to protect their intellectual property.

The minimum number of characters in a .TEL domain is 3 and the maximum number is 63 not including the .TEL suffix. Every domain must contain at least one letter from a-z or "A to Z" in standard US ASCII script. No domain can begin or end with a hyphen nor can a domain have a hyphen in the 3rd and 4th position. A .TEL domain may not consist purely of digits. The .TEL naming conventions are described in detail in the Acceptable Use Policy.

You can sell or transfer a .TEL domain just as you would with other domain names.

.TEL domain names are subject to the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP), which establishes a procedure for resolving many trademark disputes relating to domain names. More information on the (UDRP) is available.

ICANN, the Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers, is the international organization responsible for the oversight of the coordination of the Domain Name System and Top Level Domains (.com, .net, .org, .biz, etc.). More information is available at ICANN.org.

ICANN has delegated to Telnic Limited, the .TEL Sponsoring Organization, the responsibility for developing, implementing and policing certain policies related to the .TEL Top Level Domain and its community.