1 Nov 2010 11:08
For immediate release: 1 November 2010
TOP LEVEL DOMAIN HOLDINGS LTD
("TLDH" or "The Company")
Timeline Adopted for Introduction of New gTLDs
Applications to begin 30 May 2011
Top Level Domain Holdings, Ltd (AIM: TLDH.L), the only public company focused exclusively on acquiring and operating new top-level domains, is pleased to announce that the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers ("ICANN") has approved the timeline for the introduction of new generic top level domains ("gTLDs").
The Board of ICANN resolved on 28 October 28 2010, to direct its staff to prepare for the introduction of new gTLDs, with the window for applications to start on 30 May 30 2011.
Fred Krueger, CEO of TLDH, commented:
"The ICANN Board decision is a significant milestone. Until now, ICANN has avoided providing exact dates while it resolved several longstanding policy issues. The publication of a timeline therefore signals ICANN's determination that the major issues have been addressed and that the new gTLD programme can proceed without further delays."
According to the ICANN Board's resolution, the final rules for applicants for new gTLDs will be set by 10 January 2011, which will also be the starting point for a major effort by ICANN to publicise the programme in order to attract all qualified applicants. The full timeline can be seen on ICANN's site in graphical form at http://icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/new-gtld-work-plan-28oct10-en.pdf.
In addition to its investments in generic top level domain projects, TLDH wholly-owns Minds + Machines, a leading provider of top-level domain name registry technology and consulting services, offering solutions for entrepreneurial, governmental, and brand gTLDs not available from its chief competitors.
Antony Van Couvering, CEO of Minds + Machines, said:
"With the ICANN timeline now in place, Minds + Machines can turn its attention to the real work at hand, which is applying for and operating top-level domains. The introduction of new gTLDs is a major inflection point in the history of the Internet and promises to be very competitive. We are ready, our clients are ready, and we look forward to introducing innovation and excellence into the top-level domain namespace."
TLDH is well positioned to take advantage of the new gTLD programme. In addition to the operational revenues expected from Minds + Machines, TLDH arrives at the gTLD start date with significant cash reserves and a portfolio of strategic investments in city, regional, and entrepreneurial gTLDs in place.
About Top Level Domain Holdings Limited, http://www.tldh.org
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 the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). ICANN has announced plans to expand the number of top level domains. Top Level Domain Holdings intends to make targeted investments in this space, focusing on both infrastructure technologies and specific top level domains.
About MINDS + MACHINES www.mindsandmachines.com
Minds + Machines works internationally with companies, cities, not-for-profits and entrepreneurs to secure and operate new web addresses, known as top-level domains (TLDs). Minds + Machines is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Top Level Domains Holdings, Ltd. (AIM: TLDH.L)
For further information, please contact:
Top Level Domain Holdings Limited
North America
Frederic Krueger Tel: +1 310 866 1935
Antony Van Couvering Tel: +1 917 406 7126
Europe
David Weill Tel: +44 (0) 20 7881 0180
Beaumont Cornish Limited
Roland Cornish/Michael Cornish Tel +44 (0) 20 7628 3396
gth media relations
Toby Hall /Christian Pickel Tel: +44 (0) 20 3103 3903