About .so domain
.so is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated for Somalia. It is managed by the Somali Network Information Center (SONIC), operating under the nation's telecom regulator, the National Communications Authority. The domain was initially created in 1997 and was officially relaunched in 2010 after being redelegated to local control. It is a product offered through a network of accredited registrars worldwide, with specific eligibility requirements for registration.
Who can register .so domain
Registration for a .so domain is restricted. Applicants must demonstrate a legitimate connection to Somalia. Eligible parties include institutions and organizations physically located in Somalia, as well as residents of the country. Others who can provide clear and provable documentation of a bona fide connection to Somalia may also apply. The registry requires applicants to warrant they will not use the domain for unlawful purposes.
How to register .so domain
- First, use a search tool at an accredited .so registrar to check if your desired domain name is available, ensuring it meets the technical requirements of 3 to 63 characters.
- If available, review the registrar's pricing for the initial registration term and any mandatory add-ons, as some registrars may bundle WHOIS privacy or other services.
- Proceed to checkout, providing accurate contact information that will be subject to verification to confirm your eligibility under the TLD's nexus requirements.
- After payment, complete any required validation process to prove your connection to Somalia, then configure your domain's DNS settings to point to your web hosting.
Typical uses of .so domain
The .so extension is commonly used by businesses, organizations, and individuals with a direct connection to Somalia. Commercial entities often register under .com.so, while individuals use .me.so for personal sites. Organizations and networks utilize .org.so and .net.so, respectively. Government entities and specific federal states within Somalia also use dedicated second-level domains like .gov.so and .sw.so. Registrants choose this TLD to signal their local presence or affiliation with the country.
Tips for registering .so domain
- Registrations require a minimum term, often one year, with renewal pricing that may differ from the initial promotional rate.
- WHOIS privacy services may be available through some accredited registrars, but the registry policy mandates accurate contact information.
- The registry maintains a dispute policy, and registrants must warrant that their domain use does not infringe on third-party rights or violate laws.
- Specific second-level domains like .gov.so or .edu.so have additional eligibility requirements tied to entity type.
- Domain names must be between 3 and 63 characters, cannot begin or end with a hyphen, and cannot contain underscores.
Frequently asked questions about .so domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .so domain?
As of today, .so domains start from $57.50/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $179.99/yr across 13 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .so domains?
NameBeta tracks 13 registrars that support .so domain registration, with the cheapest option at $57.50/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .so domain?
The registry for .so domains is CoCCA, administered by Ministry of Post and Telecommunications.
Who can register a .so domain?
Registration is not open to the general public without restriction. To qualify, you must be an institution or resident within Somalia, or be able to provide documented proof of a legitimate and provable connection to the country. The registry requires applicants to warrant their eligibility during the application process. Accredited registrars will guide you through the specific documentation needed to satisfy this nexus requirement.
Can I transfer a .so domain between registrars?
Transferring a .so domain between registrars follows standard ICANN transfer procedures, provided the domain is unlocked and you have the correct authorization code. However, the transfer process may involve re-verification of your eligibility to hold the domain, as the registry's nexus requirements persist. It's advisable to confirm with both the gaining and losing registrars about any specific .so transfer documentation or steps before initiating the request.
What are the rules for the different second-level domains like .com.so or .me.so?
The registry offers specific second-level domains for different use cases. .com.so is reserved for commercial entities, .me.so for personal names, .org.so for organizations, and .net.so for internet-related entities. There are also geographic second-level domains for Somali federal states, such as .sw.so for South West state. Registering for these SLDs may require you to meet the intended purpose, and the general nexus requirement to Somalia still applies to all registrations.
What happens if I cannot prove my connection to Somalia during registration?
Your application for a .so domain will likely be rejected by the registry if you cannot satisfactorily demonstrate the required nexus to Somalia. The accredited registrar you are using will manage this validation process and will inform you if your provided documentation is insufficient. It is crucial to understand and prepare the necessary proof of connection—such as evidence of residency, business operations, or organizational presence—before attempting to register.
Are there any content restrictions for .so domain names?
Yes, registrants must warrant they will not use the domain for unlawful purposes, which explicitly includes content related to indecency, pornography, and gambling. The registration policies also prohibit use that is contrary to public policy or morality, for offensive purposes, to mislead the public, or contrary to good business practices. Violating these content restrictions could lead to the suspension or termination of the domain registration by the registry.
How are disputes over .so domain names handled?
Disputes are governed by the registry's domain name registration policies, which incorporate mechanisms like the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP). The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is listed as a dispute resolution provider for .so domains. Trademark holders can file a complaint if they believe a domain was registered in bad faith, and the registry will comply with the decisions of such proceedings.
