ICANN is planning to launch unlimited number of extensions

ICANN’s board recently concluded consultations on topic of new gTLDs. The keyword here is NEW. As you know gTLD stands for Generic TLD, like .com, .net, .org. Now ICANN is trying to implement a new program that will allow everyone to register their own gTLD.  Who can apply? Any public or private organization from any part of the world, even you! The application fee is expected to be $185,000, and according to the information sheet provided by ICANN various methods of payments will be accepted. The same document mentions that applications process can also go through the auction. That means that some time at the end of this year, or at the beginning of next year we will witness the first sale of the extension.

Domain name business is largely based on the assumption that domain names will become so scarce at some point, that the prices of domain names will go up all the time. The latest developments show that ICANN is trying to “resolve” the problem of scarcity of domain names by introducing new unlimited number of extensions in order to make more money not only on domain name registrations, but also on extension license sales.

Link – Factsheet on New gTLD Program