It could take up to a year for generic top level domains (gTLDs) to get off the ground, according to reports.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) – which is welcoming applications for gTLDs from tomorrow – has called for patience from organizations seeking a customized domain.
ICANN is welcoming bids for the next 90 days, requiring details about applicants’ finances and technical capability, reports USA Today.
Applicants are also required to document how they plan to use the domains they are seeking.
In the event that more than one party seeks a gTLD – for example, .shoes or .coffee – the need for an auction will also slow down the approval process.
Some parties have raised objections to the launch of gTLDs, including the Association of National Advertisers, which believes there are few practical benefits to generic domains.