About .phone domain
.phone is a proposed generic top-level domain (gTLD) that was part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. It was not delegated and remains in a proposed state, with no active registry operator. The application process saw contention between two applicants, Donuts (Wild Frostbite, LLC) and Dish DBS Corporation. The application from Dish DBS Corporation received a GAC Early Warning, indicating governmental concerns about granting exclusive access to a common generic string.
Who can register .phone domain
As a proposed and undelegated TLD, .phone domains are not available for registration by anyone. There is no active registry, and therefore no registration process or eligibility criteria exist. Should the TLD be delegated in the future, its registration policy would be determined by the successful applicant and ICANN.
How to register .phone domain
Since .phone is not an active, delegated top-level domain, there is no standard commercial registration process. Domains under this extension cannot be searched for, purchased, or configured. Any future availability would depend on ICANN resolving the contention between the original applicants or reopening the application round, followed by the establishment of a registry and agreements with accredited registrars.
Typical uses of .phone domain
If delegated, the .phone extension would likely be used by businesses and individuals in the telecommunications and mobile technology sectors. Companies manufacturing mobile devices, developing communication software, or providing telephony services could adopt it for branding and industry relevance. It might also appeal to consumer review sites, accessory retailers, and tech blogs focusing on phone-related content, offering a clear, topical alternative to broader extensions like .com or .tech.
Tips for registering .phone domain
- This TLD is not active; there are no registration terms, pricing, or policies to consider.
- Any future launch would likely involve a sunrise period for trademark holders and a landrush phase.
- Registration policies, including WHOIS privacy and transfer rules, would be set by the eventual registry operator.
- Potential registrants should monitor ICANN announcements for any updates on the status of proposed TLDs like .phone.
Frequently asked questions about .phone domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .phone domain?
As of today, .phone domains start from $20.00/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $22.99/yr across 2 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .phone domains?
NameBeta tracks 2 registrars that support .phone domain registration, with the cheapest option at $20.00/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .phone domain?
The registry for .phone domains is DISH, administered by Dish DBS Corporation.
Who can register a .phone domain?
No one can currently register a .phone domain, as it is a proposed TLD that was never delegated. The original applications were filed by corporate entities during ICANN's 2012 round. Should the TLD become active in the future, eligibility would be defined by the registry operator and could be open to all or have specific restrictions.
Can I transfer a .phone domain between registrars?
Inter-registrar transfers are not applicable for .phone domains, as the extension does not exist in the root zone. There is no active registry to facilitate transfers. If the TLD is ever delegated, standard transfer policies like the Auth-Code process would likely be implemented by the registry in accordance with ICANN requirements.
Will .phone domains ever become available?
The future availability of .phone domains is uncertain and depends on ICANN processes. The contention between the two original applicants must be resolved, which could involve auction, settlement, or withdrawal. ICANN may also decide to include the string in a future application round. Interested parties should follow ICANN's New gTLD Program updates for any developments.
What was the contention issue with the .phone applications?
Two companies, Donuts and Dish DBS Corporation, applied for the .phone string, creating a contention set. The application from Dish DBS Corporation also received a GAC Early Warning from the Australian representative, expressing concern that granting exclusive rights to such a common generic term could negatively impact competition. This objection was a significant hurdle in the delegation process.
If .phone launches, how will trademark holders be protected?
Should .phone be delegated, the registry operator will be required by ICANN to implement trademark protection mechanisms. These typically include a Sunrise Period, allowing verified trademark owners to register corresponding domains before general availability, and the Trademark Claims service, which notifies registrants of potential trademark conflicts. The registry may also participate in the Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) system.
