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ICANN Approves 34 Post-Testbed Registrars, Including Two Asian Companies

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

On April 21, 1999, ICANN announced the approval of 34 post-testbed registrars, marking a significant milestone in the transition of domain name registration services. Among the approved registrars, two Asian companies made their way onto the list: Melbourne Information Technologies Australia Pty Ltd (MelbourneIT) and Japan's interQ Inc. These companies will offer registration services for the .com, .net, and .org domains in competition with Network Solutions. The approval paves the way for increased competition, lower costs, and better service for customers.

Key Takeaways:

  • ICANN approved 34 post-testbed registrars, including two Asian companies: MelbourneIT and interQ.
  • The approved registrars will offer registration services for the .com, .net, and .org domains.
  • MelbourneIT, a subsidiary of Melbourne Research Enterprises Ltd., represents the only Asian name among the leading five approved registrars.
  • interQ, a Japanese company, will offer direct registration services and sees a growing demand for the service in Japan due to restrictions on local domain name registration.
  • The remaining 29 approved registrars will begin offering registration services on June 24.
  • ICANN has set an aggressive schedule, and the approved registrars must work with Network Solutions to use their shared registry system.
  • The approval aims to increase competition, lower costs, and improve service for customers.
  • MelbourneIT is committed to working with other registrars to offer a high standard of service to the diverse and booming Internet market throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Statistics:

  • 34 post-testbed registrars were approved by ICANN.
  • 29 of the approved registrars will begin offering registration services on June 24.
  • 5 companies, including MelbourneIT and America Online, will offer registration services on April 26.
  • Software company Network Solutions (NASDAQ:NSOL) will see competition from the 34 approved registrars.
  • MelbourneIT is the single registrar for the .com.au commercial domain in Australia through its Internet Names Australia unit.

Sources:

  • Newsbytes, April 21, 1999, By Martyn Williams, Titled "ICANN Approves 34 Post-Testbed Registrars".
  • Melbourne Research Enterprises Ltd., http://www.melbourneit.com.au.
  • interQ Inc., http://www.interq.ad.jp.
  • ICANN announcement, April 21, 1999.

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