Until recently, InterNic (Internet Network Information Center), a cooperative activity between the U.S. government and Network Solutions, Inc., was the exclusive organization responsible for registering and maintaining the com, net, and org top-level domain names on the World Wide Web. Network Solutions, Inc performed the actual registration. As a result of a new U. S. Government Statement of Policy (known as "the white paper") in October 1998, competition was introduced in domain name registration for top-level domains.

A new, non-profit global organization ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), has been designated to conduct new registrar accreditation process. ICANN initially designated five new registrar companies - in addition to Network Solutions - for a two-month test period. After that period, additional registrars were ICANN ACCREDITED REGISTRARS.

If you are creating or already have a Web site for which you would like to have your own domain name, you must register the domain name through one of the registrars.

You can usually fill out the registration application through your server space provider or a provider that you are considering using if you don't have a Web site yet.

In addition to the com, net, and org domain name, geographically identified domains in the United States such as those for cities and towns are administered by US Domain Name Registration Services. There are also registries for Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia Pacific countries, and other countries.

ICANN's responsibility ultimately is derived from the IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority), which inherited responsibility for Internet root naming and address assignment from the originator of the Internet, DARPA.

The following is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the domain name registration process

What does it mean to "register" a domain name?
The Internet domain name system (DNS) consists of a directory, organized hierarchically, of all the domain names and their corresponding computers registered to particular companies and persons using the Internet. When you register a domain name, it will be associated with the computer on the Internet you designate during the period the registration is in effect.

Is the "InterNic" synonymous with Network Solutions, Inc.?
No. The InterNic is a concept for an integrated network information center that was developed by several companies, including Network Solutions, in cooperation with the U.S. Government.

Under a recent agreement with the U.S. Government, Network Solutions is transitioning from the use of the word "InterNic" in connection with its products and services. InterNic is a registered service mark of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Can I change registrars after registering a domain name?
Yes, you may change the registrar sponsoring your domain name at any time more than sixty days after initial registration. For details on the transfer process, contact the registrar you would like to assume sponsorship of the registration.

What is the process for submitting the required registration information?
Different registrars offer different means of submitting the information. Most registrars offer web-based registration services. Some offer registrations by telephone or mail. Many will work with your ISP to obtain the required information. You should go to the individual registrar's web site or otherwise contact it to determine the process it follows.

What is involved in registering a domain name in .com, .net or .org?
To register a domain name, you will be asked to provide the registrar you select with the various contact and technical information that makes up the registration. The registrar will then keep records of the contact information and submit the technical information to a central directory known as the "registry." This registry provides other computers on the Internet the information necessary to send you e-mail or to find your web site. You will also be required to enter a registration contract with the registrar, which sets forth the terms under which your registration is accepted and will be maintained.

Will my name and contact information be publicly available?
Yes. Information about who is responsible for domain names is publicly available to allow rapid resolution of technical problems and to permit enforcement of consumer protection, trademark, and other laws. The registrar will make this information available to the public on a "Whois" site

Administrative Contact/Agent
The Administrative Contact/Agent is the person or organization authorized by the domain name registrant to act on behalf of the legal entity. The Administrative Contact/Agent should be able to answer non-technical questions about the legal entity's plans for using the domain name and the procedures for establishing sub-domains.

Technical Contact
Generally, the Technical Contact is the person or organization who maintains the domain name registrant's primary name server, resolver software, and database files. The Technical Contact person keeps the name server running and interacts with technical people in other domains to solve problems that affect the domain name. An ISP often performs this role.

Billing Contact
The Billing Contact will be invoiced for registrations and renewals.

What is ICANN?
ICANN is the new non-profit corporation that is assuming responsibility from the U.S. Government for coordinating certain Internet technical functions, including the management of Internet domain name system. More information about ICANN can be found at http://www.icann.org.

Someone else has registered my company's name as a .com domain name. What is the process for resolving my complaint?
All ICANN-accredited registrars follow a uniform dispute resolution policy. Under that policy, disputes over entitlement to a domain-name registration are ordinarily resolved by court litigation between the parties claiming rights to the registration. Once the court rules who is entitled to the registration, the registrar will implement that ruling. In disputes arising from registrations allegedly made abusively (such as "cybersquatting" and cyberpiracy"), the uniform policy provides an expedited administrative procedure to allow the dispute to be resolved without the cost and delays often encountered in court litigation. In these cases, you can invoke the administrative procedure by filing a complaint with one of the dispute-resolution service providers listed at http://www.icann.org/udrp/approved-providers.htm. For more details on the uniform dispute resolution policy, see http://www.icann.org/udrp/udrp.htm.

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