SPOTLIGHT
Top-Level .ar Domain Launch Delayed
The registry for .ar domains, NIC.AR, announced the postponement of General Availability for the launch of top-level .ar. The registry experienced technical issues processing payments for the recently concluded Limited Registration phase’s applications. The Limited Registration phase remains closed. The phase ended January 27, 2020. No dates of when General Availability would resume were announced, but the registry believes the postponement may last over a month. CSC is working closely with our partners in the region for the latest updates. CSC will communicate these updates as new information becomes available. If you have any questions, please contact your Client Service Partner.
Compare and Select Your New Domains
Neustar registry announced plans to launch two previously closed gTLDs, .compare and .select. Both TLDs will include a Sunrise phase for trademark holders beginning April 6, 2020. The TLD will then release for General Availability on May 6, 2020. CSC is still collecting launch details and requirements. Additional information will be communicated as it becomes available. Please contact your Client Service Partner if you are interested in either launch.
Brexit Has Arrived for .EU Domains
The United Kingdom approved a Withdrawal Agreement with the European Union in the wake of Brexit. This move took effect at midnight (CET) on January 31, 2020. As part of the agreement, the UK and EU will enter into a transition period that lasts until the end of the calendar year – December 31, 2020. This date may be extended by any future agreements that enter into force. During the transition period, UK residents may continue to hold and register .eu domain names. After the transition period, the .eu registry will commence their action plan to withdraw and delete domains that remain registered with noncompliant registrant contacts (i.e., UK addresses). The registry has not yet announced updated timelines for withdrawal and deletion. CSC will continue to monitor and communicate registry updates as new information is released. CSC remains available to help navigate these changes and maintain compliance with the registry. Please contact your Client Service Partner with any questions.
Still Launching
The following TLDs have launch phases (Pre-General Availability) that are currently still in progress. If you are interested in participating in any of these launches, please contact your Client Service Partner.
.cat (1 & 2 character)
.basketball
.mt
.bot
.rugby
.pa
.new
Launches within 30 days (bold indicates where dates fall within time frame)
| Extension | Start Date | Order Entry Deadline | First-come First-served (FCFS) | Registry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunrise Registration Phase | ||||
| .cat (Priority 3 – 1&2 characters) | 20-Jan-2020 | 27-Feb-2020 | No | Fundacio puntCAT |
| General Availability | ||||
| .cat (1&2 characters) | 2-Mar-2020 | N/A | Yes | Fundacio puntCAT |
The information provided is intended for informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice.