About .mobile domain
.mobile is a proposed generic top-level domain (gTLD) that was part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. Its application process involved multiple commercial entities, including Donuts (Pixie North, LLC), which submitted a Public Interest Commitment. The applications from other parties faced formal objections and GAC Early Warnings, which are part of the ICANN evaluation process for new extensions. As a proposed TLD, it has not been delegated into the root zone and is not currently available for registration.
Who can register .mobile domain
This proposed TLD was not delegated and therefore has no active registration policy. If it were to launch, eligibility would depend entirely on the final registry operator's policies as approved by ICANN. Based on the application history, it was intended as a generic, open TLD, suggesting it would likely be available to any registrant without restriction. No geographic or organizational verification would be required.
How to register .mobile domain
As a proposed TLD that never reached delegation, there is no commercial registration process for .mobile. Domain names under this extension are not available for purchase through any registrar. The allocation process concluded at the ICANN application phase, where applications were evaluated, objected to, and ultimately did not proceed to contracting. Therefore, no steps for public registration exist.
Typical uses of .mobile domain
If delegated, the .mobile extension would likely be adopted by businesses, developers, and services focused on mobile technology, applications, and connectivity. It could serve as a direct and memorable namespace for companies in the telecommunications, app development, and mobile content sectors, distinguishing their online presence as inherently connected to the mobile ecosystem. Individuals might also use it for personal projects or portfolios showcasing mobile-centric work.
Tips for registering .mobile domain
- This TLD was never delegated, so there are no active registration terms, pricing, or policies to consider.
- Any future launch would require a new application to ICANN or the activation of a previously uncontracted application.
- Since it did not launch, there are no operational details regarding WHOIS privacy, premium domains, or renewal rules.
- Interested parties should monitor ICANN's New gTLD Program for any potential future application rounds or updates.
Frequently asked questions about .mobile domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .mobile domain?
As of today, .mobile domains start from $15.73/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $33.68/yr across 13 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.
Which registrars support .mobile domains?
NameBeta tracks 13 registrars that support .mobile domain registration, with the cheapest option at $15.73/yr. Full list on this page.
Who operates .mobile domain?
The registry for .mobile domains is DISH, administered by Dish DBS Corporation.
Who can register a .mobile domain?
Since .mobile was never delegated, no one can currently register a domain with this extension. If a future application were successful, the registry operator would define the eligibility criteria, which, based on its generic nature, would most likely be open to all registrants globally without specific verification requirements.
Can I transfer a .mobile domain between registrars?
As there are no registered .mobile domains, inter-registrar transfer policies do not exist. Should the TLD launch in the future, standard ICANN transfer policies would apply, allowing transfers between accredited registrars after an initial 60-day lock period, provided the domain is not pending a change of registrant or other status restrictions.
Could .mobile be applied for again in the future?
Yes, ICANN's New gTLD Program is expected to have future application rounds. Any entity could submit a new application for .mobile, unless an existing applicant with a pending, uncontracted application successfully proceeds. The process would involve submitting a new gTLD application, paying the required fee, and passing all ICANN evaluation phases.
What were the main objections to the .mobile applications?
Applications from Amazon and Dish DBS Corporation received GAC Early Warnings and a Community Objection from CTIA. The objections centered on concerns about granting exclusive access to a common generic string for a broad market sector, which objectors argued could negatively impact competition and have unintended consequences for the wider community.
What is a Public Interest Commitment in a gTLD application?
A Public Interest Commitment (PIC) is a set of voluntary pledges submitted by a gTLD applicant to ICANN, binding the future registry operator to specific practices. For the Donuts application, this commitment was documented and would have governed operations if the TLD had launched, potentially covering areas like registration policies, abuse mitigation, and consumer protection.