16 Dec 2011 08:30
For immediate release:
16 December 2011
Top Level Domain Holdings Limited
("TLDH", the "Company" or "Group")
gTLD Programme Update
The Directors of Top Level Domain Holdings Limited (AIM:TLDH.L), the only publicly traded company focused exclusively on acquiring and operating new generic top-level domains ("gTLDs"), are pleased to announce that the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers ("ICANN") proposed timetable for applications for new generic top-level domains ("gTLDs") remains as previously announced.
The commencement of the application window on 12 January 2012 remains intact following the recent US Senate and House of Representative sub-committee hearings. The Directors of TLDH were also pleased to note that during the House of Representative sub-committee hearing on 14 December 2011, the head of the NTIA, the US Government department responsible for overseeing ICANN related issues, stated that the NTIA fully supports the multi-stakeholder model pioneered by ICANN and will not intervene to stop or delay the new gTLD programme.
As previously reported, the Company's subsidiary, Minds + Machines, is working with a wide number of gTLD applicants, including cities and regions, brand owners, organisations and entrepreneurs worldwide who have either issued request for proposals or who are in direct discussions with Minds + Machines. In addition, the Company continues to progress preparations for applications for gTLDs on its own behalf.
Antony Van Couvering, CEO of TLDH, commented:
"The US hearings have had the effect of galvanizing organisations into positive action. By extending the debate beyond the domain industry, a wider audience has been reached and they are now realising the need for urgent action now that the final perceived hurdles of the gTLD programme have been overcome. We are now seeing a significant uplift in interest in gTLDs from organisations of all sizes."
Further Information:
Top Level Domain Holdings Limited
North America
Antony Van Couvering Tel: + 1 917 406 7126
gth media relations
Toby Hall /Suzanne Johnson Walsh Tel: +44 (0) 20 3103 3903/2
Or visit the group's website at www.tldh.org
About Top Level Domain Holdings Limited
Top Level Domain Holding is a publicly traded holding company listed on the London AIM market. The company is focused on the new top-level domain space. Top-level domains, such as .com, run by VeriSign (NASDAQ: VRSN), and .biz, run by NeuStar (NYSE: NSR), are regulated by ICANN. ICANN has announced plans to expand the number of top-level domains. TLDH intends to make targeted investments in this space, focusing on both infrastructure technologies and specific top-level domains.
About Minds + Machines, http://mindsandmachines.com
Minds + Machines is a registry services provider that works internationally with commercial organisations, cities, not-for-profits and entrepreneurs to secure and operate new web domains, known as top-level domains (TLDs). Minds + Machines is a wholly owned subsidiary of Top Level Domains Holdings, Ltd.
ENDS