About .desi domain
The .desi domain is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Desi Networks LLC, with the technical backend managed by KSregistry GmbH. It was delegated to the root zone in April 2014 and launched for general registration in October of that year. The TLD was part of ICANN's New gTLD Program and was terminated in October 2023, meaning it is no longer available for new registrations or renewals.
Who can register .desi domain
Registration for the .desi domain was open to everyone with no restrictions. There were no geographic, organizational, or trademark-based requirements for eligibility. Any individual or entity could register a .desi domain name through an accredited registrar without needing to provide special verification or documentation.
How to register .desi domain
As the .desi TLD has been terminated and is no longer an active, registrable product, there is no standard commercial registration process. The registry agreement was ended by the operator in October 2023, and the domain is no longer being issued through registrars. Any existing domains would have entered a non-renewable state prior to termination.
Typical uses of .desi domain
The .desi domain extension was commonly used by individuals, businesses, and communities connected to the culture and diaspora of South Asia. It served as a digital identifier for websites, blogs, and online projects wishing to express a connection to this heritage, often chosen over more generic extensions to create a culturally specific and memorable web address.
Tips for registering .desi domain
- The .desi TLD was terminated in October 2023 and is no longer available for new registration, renewal, or transfer.
- Prior to termination, standard dispute resolution policies like the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) applied to .desi domain names.
- The registry was operated by Desi Networks LLC, with KSregistry GmbH providing the technical registry services.
Frequently asked questions about .desi domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .desi domain?
As of today, .desi domains start from $13.05/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $40.00/yr across 14 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .desi domains?
NameBeta tracks 14 registrars that support .desi domain registration, with the cheapest option at $13.05/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .desi domain?
The registry for .desi domains is Emergency Back-End Registry Operator Program - ICANN.
Who can register a .desi domain?
Prior to its termination, the .desi domain was open for registration to anyone worldwide without any eligibility restrictions. No proof of cultural affiliation, geographic location, or organizational status was required. Individuals, businesses, and community groups could all register a .desi domain name through any ICANN-accredited registrar offering the extension.
Can I transfer a .desi domain between registrars?
While the TLD was active, transferring a .desi domain between registrars would have followed standard ICANN transfer policies, requiring an authorization code and an unlocked domain status. However, as the registry has been terminated, domain transfers are no longer possible, and any previously registered names are no longer functional or renewable.
What happens to existing .desi domain names after termination?
Following the termination of the registry agreement in October 2023, existing .desi domain names are no longer active in the DNS root zone. This means they will not resolve to websites, and email services using these domains will cease to function. The names cannot be renewed, and registrants would have lost all rights to use them after the termination process was complete.
Was there a sunrise period for trademark holders when .desi launched?
As a gTLD launched under ICANN's New gTLD Program, .desi would have been required to offer a Sunrise period for trademark holders prior to general availability. This allowed owners of trademarks recorded in the Trademark Clearinghouse to register corresponding domain names early, providing a measure of brand protection during the initial launch phases of the TLD.
Can I register a .desi domain now or in the future?
No, the .desi top-level domain is no longer operational. The registry operator, Desi Networks LLC, terminated its agreement with ICANN, and the TLD was officially removed from the root zone. It is not available for registration through any registrar, and there is no public information about plans for it to be revived or re-delegated under new management.
