ICANN issues update on new gTLD system

The application system for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) is going “without a hitch”, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has said following the opening of the application window just over a week ago.

ICANN said it has approved 25 “successful registrants” since it began accepting the applications.

Businesses and organizations are now able to apply for their own generic top level domain name.

The 90-day application period for gTLDs runs until April 12th 2012.

It means companies can apply for whatever domain name ending they would like, subject to a $185,000 fee.

Previously, website owners were limited to only 22 level domains. It also allows, for the first time, non-Latin language scripts such as Arabic, Chinese and Cyrillic to be used in a gTLD.

“I can state firmly that one week into the process, the application system for the new domain names is functioning just as it should,” said Rod Beckstrom, ICANN’s president and chief executive officer.

“This is a reflection of the careful planning, hard work and long hours our staff spent preparing for last week’s launch.”

In early May ICANN will publish a list of the applications and who has applied for which domain name.