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[EuroDNS NL]

Many numeric domain names returned to SIDN for reissue

ARNHEM, 21-03-2008 – SIDN, the dot-NL registry, has today published the results of its review of the numeric domain name introduction process implemented on 28 and 29 February, and its outcome. The study revealed that there was a great deal of activity in the first hour of the landrush, but that two registrars in particular had monopolised much of the available registration capacity. SIDN has since taken the matter up with the parties concerned, with the result that many of the numeric domain names registered by them have now been relinquished. SIDN will therefore be able to make the names in question available again for general registration.

Between noon on 28 February and 6pm on 29 February, numeric dot-NL domain names were made available for registration in a so-called ‘landrush’. This method of first-come-first-served allocation was the unanimous recommendation of the public Domain Name Debate in 2006. Before the landrush, holders of numeric trading name and trademark rights were given the opportunity to reserve the corresponding domain names in the context of a sunrise scheme.

However, after the landrush, a number of registrars contacted SIDN to express their displeasure with the perceived unfair tactics adopted by certain other registrars and with the accessibility of the registration system during the landrush. In response, SIDN set up an investigation, leading to an evaluation of the relevant registrars’ conduct, which started on 5 March.

Numerous registrations reversed
The study revealed that two parties had each deployed a large number of machines to register numeric names during the landrush, thus leaving little registration system capacity available to others. As a result, the registrars in question were able to register a large proportion of the domain names claimed through the scheme.

SIDN accordingly spoke to the parties concerned about their responsibilities. The outcome of the talks is that many of the registrations made by these registrars during the landrush have now been reversed. Consequently, a total of 4060 numeric domain names are to be re-released for general registration.

The next step
SIDN will work closely with the registrars concerned to decide how the de-registered numeric domain names should be put back on general release. As soon as a method has been worked out, SIDN will inform the registrar community.

Numeric domain names: the future
The dot-NL domain can accommodate a huge number of domain names, with or without number combinations. The dot-com domain currently covers more than seventy million combinations, and thousands more are added every day. Under the present registration rules, the dot-NL zone could theoretically house a similar number, so there is no danger that the supply of domain names will ‘dry up’ any time soon.

Since the launch, registration traffic has stabilised. Dutch businesses and consumers now have no problems obtaining, using or transferring dot-NL domain names (numeric or conventional). As expected, the landrush has been followed by a healthy and steady flow of new numeric dot-NL domain name registrations.