Short and numeric .tel domain names coming this summer.
Starting June 1 you’ll be able to get your hands on two character and all number .tel domain names.
The domain names will be available on a first-come first-served basis, but at premium pricing during the “landrush” period from June 1 to June 14.
.Tel registry Telnic says this is an opportunity for four types of registrants:
1. Companies with 2-letter or all-numeric brands or trademarks
2. Vanity number operators or those wanting to get keyboard-numeric versions of their names
3. Individuals who want to be known by their initials or with a penchant for lucky numbers
4. Businesses using shortcodes for marketing and support services
I’m not so sure about the second one since all number domain names are limited seven or fewer characters.
One character domains won’t be released in this period, nor will two letter domains that have a matching country code (e.g. uk.tel, de.tel).
Landrush registrations will be available at a subset of existing .tel domain name registrars.
Jp says
Learn something new every day. Didn’t know all mimetic domains were limited to 7 digits. Is this for all extensions?
Andy says
@Jp – The restrictions on numeric domains are to avoid confusion with ENUM and the international telephone numbering system.
Probably has something to do with the objections raised by the ITU (International Telecommunications Union) when Telnic first applied for .tel in 2000.