WHEN IS THE LAUNCH OF THE NEW gTLDS?
New gTLDs will not be launched at the same time; they will be released dependent on their priority draw number, level of objection or contention and their elected launch sequence.
The priority draw number refers to the system developed by |ICANN to prioritise the gTLDs over the course of the year. Each TLD was given a priority number via a lottery system in December 2012. The priority draw number determines the order in which applications are processed, not when the TLD is released.
The objection or contention is basically an obstacle the application may face such as third party objections, Government Advisory Committee intervention or contention between parties competing for the same TLD.
The launch sequence determines when each new TLD will be released in which distinct phase. It will also determine how they will become available to users and under what conditions.
The Registry Donuts announced first the launch of 10 new gTLDs for November 2013:
- .bike
- .camera
- .clothing
- .equipment
- .estate
- .guru
- .holdings
- .lighting
- .singles
- .ventures
- .voyage