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Home | News & events | Legal updates | Easy access to contact details via .tel domains
Easy access to contact details via .tel domains
19 November 2008
New .tel domain names will allow businesses to store and manage their contact details in a directory accessible from any device connected to the internet.
This will allow easy access to contact information for all current and potential customers.
What is .tel?
The .tel domain is a new type of sponsored top level domain (sTLD) enabling businesses to register a .tel name and store all its contact information in one place. .tel is not a website, but functions to house all types of contact information and works as a global directory service.
For example, a company can detail its head office, store locations, customer service details and maps to its office all on one site.
Companies will be able to store up to five different types of information under its .tel domain. This information can include navigation links, contact information, geolocation records including links to maps, links to web pages and keywords that describe its business.
When can I apply?
There are three application periods in which businesses can apply for a .tel domain name: the Sunrise Period, Landrush Period and General Availability Period. From 3 December 2008 until February 2009, trade mark owners can apply for a .tel domain name as this is the Sunrise Period.
After the Sunrise Period, the Landrush Period will open and is available to all applicants. It is anticipated that this period will run from 3 February 2009 until 23 March 2009. Thereafter, the application system will be open for the General Availability Period to any applicant wishing to obtain a .tel name. The difference between applying in the Landrush Period and General Availability Period is the fee that is payable.
How much will it cost?
The fee for trade mark owners who apply within the Sunrise Period will be £265 if the application is successfully validated. If the application is not sent for validation, the applicant will receive a refund of £220, as the £45 registration fee will not be refunded. The fee for applications made during the Landrush Period is £180 of which all but the £15 registration fee will be refunded if the application is not successful. The fee for applications within the General Availability is £19.00 of which all but the £5.00 registration fee will be refunded if the application is not successful.
How do I apply?
A business can apply for a .tel domain name through registrars that have been approved by ICANN. ICANN has designated Telnic Limited as the sponsoring organisation responsible for developing, implementing and policing the .tel domain and its community. For a list of approved Registrars visit www.icann.org.
Why should I apply?
By obtaining your own .tel domain name you can:
- protect your trade marks and boost your brand profile on the internet
- increase the control that you have over how and when people contact your business
- manage your personal or corporate contact information in one location
- store, update and publish contact information, web links and keywords for your business directly on the internet under your own unique domain name
- use .tel to direct clients to your websites, thus increasing your profile if you did not manage to secure a strong .com or .co.uk
- provide a fast and efficient method by which clients can locate and use your contact information
- increase the internet space your business has
- become part of Telpages, the .tel global business directory that can be used if a client does not know your .tel domain name, and where clients will be able to search for your business using keywords, for example ‘British,’ ‘footwear’ or ‘hotels’
Summary
The .tel domain name is an inexpensive way to boost the profile of your business. It will allow customers to search a single directory to obtain all the relevant contact details of your business that they may require.
Customers will be able to access your contact details from any internet device, and will then be able to immediately obtain maps, email, and telephone details, increasing your business’ accessibility to all your current and prospective customers.
Further information
For further information visit www.telnic.org and/or www.icann.org
© Shoosmiths. This page is for general information: it is not legal advice. Please read our full terms and conditions for details of the disclaimers and exclusions which apply.
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