The .TRUCK Application Moves Forward

.TRUCK Application Moves Forward. The .TRUCK application is uncontested, meaning there are no competing applicants and no auction process expected for this string. As a result, the application will continue through the #ICANN evaluation process. #truck #newgtlds #round2 https://t.co/xqsvsso73T

— Vant Nexus (@vantnexus) October 9, 2026

New gTLDs: Reveal Day !

ICANN published the full list of applications: https://newgtldprogram-aps.icann.org/applications

Many publications are covering Release day, find them listed on The gTLD Blog: https://gtld.blog

Applicant for .PORTAL, .ISLAND, and .TRUCK new gTLDs.

Backed by financially strong shareholders with substantial resources and a solid capital base, Vant Nexus Technologies LLC has applied to ICANN for:

1. .PORTAL
2. .ISLAND, and
3. .TRUCK new gTLDs.

Telegram applies for .GRAM

Telegram has applied for the .gram domain zone.

If the application is approved by ICANN, a billion Telegram users could get their own second-level domains — yourname.gram.

Users would be able to set up their interactive websites hosted by Telegram — with one prompt ✨

— Pavel Durov (@durov) August 18, 2026

Applicant for the .SUI new gTLD

Today, Sui Naming Limited submitted its application for the .sui Top-Level Domain.

We’re working with Doma, D3, and other industry partners to bring the Domain Name System (DNS) to SuiNS, connecting Sui names with the global naming system behind .com, .net, and .org.

This is a…

— Sui Name Service (SuiNS) (@SuiNSdapp) August 17, 2026

On .WEB : Cast your Vote.

Will the .WEB new gTLD register 1 million or more domains on the first day of General Availability?

You need to be signed in to vote on LinkedIn.

Struggling to find the right strings?

As the TAMS application submission deadline approaches, many applicants are putting the final touches on their bids, while others are still gathering intelligence in an effort to avoid direct competition. A few observations come to mind:

• Applicants increasingly rely on external tools and market intelligence services to assess whether others may be pursuing the same string.
• The first application round in 2012 attracted 1,930 new gTLD applications. My expectation is that the 2026 round will exceed that number, including a significant volume of .BRAND applications.
• Identity Digital, the largest new gTLD applicant, operates 270 new gTLDs and manages a portfolio of 470 TLDs. Following its funding announcement in December 2025, it would not be surprising to see the company expand its ambitions in the upcoming round.
• GoDaddy is another player that could increase its application activity.
• Unstoppable Domains kept announcing lots of strings too.
• SuperNova200 has publicly stated its intention to submit 200 applications.
• Internet.best announced a list of 10 strings.
• Anyone using AI to generate lists of promising strings should remember that they are unlikely to be the only ones taking that approach. If an idea seems obvious to an AI, it is probably obvious to many other applicants as well.
• As in the 2012 round, new entrants with substantial financial resources could emerge and compete aggressively for attractive strings.

The bottom line: AI can be a valuable tool for brainstorming and research, but it may not be the best companion when it comes to identifying truly unique and uncontested strings. In a crowded and increasingly sophisticated market, originality, market insight, and strategic thinking may prove far more valuable than AI-generated suggestions alone.

ICANN published the official 2026 Round Applicant Guidebook

It took the ICANN more than a decade and, here we are, the new 2026 version of the new gTLD Applicant Guidebook was just published.

Expect more changes but this "Bible" is basically what all new gTLD service providers have been following the development of for the past few years.

For newcomers to the program willing to create their own domain name extension, I suggest to start page 21 with the "Module 1 The Applicant Journey".

Existing scammers digging for information and requesting details - and I am sorry to underline that they are present right now (Consultants: be careful and come share your experience with me as I have identified a major one) - I suggest the reading of "1.1.5 Good Faith Intent" (page 22). 

Download the latest version of the "AGB" here.

The AI answered these "new gTLD" questions

We recently asked an Artificial Intelligence a few questions about the next round of new gTLDs:
Can I sell domain names ending in my ".brand" through the network of ICANN accredited Registrars?

• Why should investment funds invest in new gTLDs in 2026?
• Are new gTLDs monopolies?
• What is ICANN 84?
• Why are community and geographic new gTLD applications more expensive?
• I want to fund a new generic Top-Level Domain at the ICANN but which one?
• How many people are needed to run an ICANN new gTLD Registry?
• Where are listed all upcoming new gTLD projects?
• What does the latest ICANN 84 GAC communiqué says about the next new gTLD round2 in 2026?
• Are 4 months enough to decide to submit a new gTLD application in the next ICANN new gTLD round?
• Can you apply for an ICANN new gTLD with a budget of 800,000€?
• ICANN Round 2 of new gTLDs: is it mandatory to deposit data of a Registry with an escrow agent
• As a generic new gTLD Registry, how much should I sell my domain names to the network of accredited Registrars?

We asked the AI a lot more questions!

New gTLD auctions: "Reminder"

This is what applicants paid in the first Round of new gTLDs to fight for their string in ICANN auctions:

1. .WEBS : $1
2. .WEB : $135,000,000
3. .SHOP : $41,501,000
4. .HOTELS : $2,200,000
5. .SRL : $400,000
6. .PING : $1,501,000
7. .APP : $25,001,000
8. .MLS : $3,359,000
9. .BABY : $3,088,888
10. .DOT : $700,000
11. .SALON : $5,100,575
12. .REALTY : $5,588,888
13. .SPOT : $2,200,000
14. .BUY : $4,588,888
15. .VIP : $3,000,888
16. .TECH : $6,760,000
17. .信息 : $600,000

To learn more about how TLDs are going to be auctioned in the next round, see "4.6 ICANN New gTLD Auction" from the existing draft of the next new gTLD applicant guidebook (page 153).

What I thing generic strings should offer in Round2

Registries offering generic strings (like ".club" or ".consulting" for example) can be difficult to launch because domain names are created leaving their user with the "what do I do now with my domain name?" question.

Most of the time, this question has been answered prior to buying but it means creating a website or an email and the answer to the question: "now I have to do it" remains.

"Now I have to do it"

Some platforms such as Linktree can be the answer to that question.

In the past, we've seen a Registry, the .TEL Registry, who offered its Registrants (the owners of the domain name) to set up some sort of Directory : the registered domain name was set up on specific DNS which lead to a platform the Registrant could set-up to point to links, phone numbers, ads...

The alternative to change DNS to preferred ones was possible but came second. This initiative then failed and .TEL domain names returned to be registered just like all others and benefiting from the Registrar's options.

I believe niche TLDs, who want to offer that little "something more", should return to creating their dedicated platform so their buyers don't have to end with the "Now I have to do it" question right after registering their new domain name.

Reminder: the .TEL registry was launched in...2007, the next Round of new gTLDs is launching in 2026. I am confident there's a lot more to invent for upcoming niche TLDs to be ready when the next Round begins. Idea here.

Want to offer something more than just domain names in 2026? Jovenet Consulting will build your innovative project.

What I think about .BRANDs

There is a lot of interest about .BRAND new gTLDs for the ICANN Round 2 of new gTLDs to take place in 2026 but to me...for the wrong reasons.

I won't list all reasons why it makes sense to create a .BRAND Top-Level Domain since all service providers already do that but here is what I think at the moment:

1. .BRAND new gTLDs interest Trademarks who want to exist but the level of knowledge is still very low about what one can do with a .BRAND and my fear today is that many are going to throw their money by the window submitting a new gTLD application because they don't have a project. Numbers never lie.
   A single domain name to operate en entire website can cost less than $10 a year : why would a Trademark pay $25,000.00 a year, just in ICANN taxes, to own a .BRAND if it has no project to develop its own portfolio of domain names? Just "brand protection"? Come on...
2. Owning a .BRAND makes sense for many reasons and an important one is the availability of generic keywords...geographic ones too. This availability also means that the number of domain names available is unlimited.
   Volume is key here: if creating a multitude of domain name redirection makes no sense to me (I don't see the real SEO advantage, I only see the zero branding one), using "dotBranded" domain names included to an online platform makes much more sense: such a service can be "sold and renewed" like domain names are, once a year. Owning a .BRAND can be very profitable is the domain name comes renewed with a service attached to it. When adding the domain name to a service, the domain name is marketed/promoted every time the service increases in value.
   The difference with a generic application is that a .BRAND Registry decides if his "client" can use his platform (also its domain name) or not. Therefore, the .BRAND Registry is in charge of marketing its service since it cannot use the network of accredited Registrars. Welcome to Domain Names As A Service.

To consider your upcoming new gTLD project with creativity (and not waste your time and money with Web3 domains), Jovenet Consulting can help you innovate for the next Round of the ICANN new gTLD program.

New gTLDs : want to connect with the Middle East?

Talk to Mohammad Alammuri :

Public Comment Upcoming Proceedings

Next Round Base gTLD Registry Agreement : estimated time frame is June 2025.

Extracted from source: "As part of the New gTLD Program: Next Round, ICANN is preparing the Next Round Base gTLD Registry Agreement (Next Round RA). Approved applicants will be expected to execute the Next Round RA in order to become a registry operator and operate a gTLD. ICANN is opening its first Public Comment proceeding on the draft Next Round RA and encourages early engagement from the community".

Learn more.

3 applications submitted

Three applications were submitted for the new gTLD Applicant Support Program (ASP). Twenty one were sent but only three are in review: "Applications submitted and in review refers to applications that have submitted application information for evaluation" (updated: 21 April 2025.

Reminder:

The ASP is intended to make the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: Next Round application and evaluation processes and fees more accessible to entities that would like to operate a registry but would otherwise be unable to apply, because of financial and resource constraints.

Learn more.

The Applicant Support Program application submission period...has begun !

Below is an interesting read for entities interested in submitting an application through the ICANN Applicant Support Program - "and pay less". The 19 pages "ASP Applicant Checklist" clearly informs about what the administrative work consists in : good luck to all applicants. The application submission period is expected to close 19 November 2025.

This is Table of Contents Organization Information of the ASP Applicant Checklist :

• Organization information :
• SECTION 1: APPLICANT ENTITY INFORMATION
• SECTION 2: APPLICANT ENTITY USERS
• SECTION 3: PAYMENTS
• SECTION 4: ULTIMATE CONTROL
• Public Responsibility Due Diligence
• SECTION 5: ACTIVITIES & AFFILIATIONS
• Financial Need
• SECTION 6: NARRATIVE STATEMENT
• SECTION 7: FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS
• Financial Viability
• SECTION 8: NARRATIVE STATEMENT
• SECTION 9: DEPOSIT
• Eligible Entities
• SECTION 10: NONPROFITS, CHARITIES, OR EQUIVALENT
• SECTION 11: INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (IGOS)
• SECTION 12: INDIGENOUS/TRIBAL PEOPLES’ ORGANIZATIONS
• SECTION 13: SOCIAL IMPACT OR PUBLIC BENEFIT MICRO- OR SMALL-SIZED BUSINESS
• SECTION 14: MICRO- OR SMALL-SIZED BUSINESS FROM A LESS-DEVELOPED ECONOMY

ICANN latest video about Round 2 of new gTLDs (2026)

Should the ICANN translate the next new gTLD applicant guidebook to Russian?

Ukraine was invaded by Russia and many were are killed, raped and much more. Should the ICANN keep supporting Russia during this invasion by translating the next new gTLD applicant guidebook to the Russian language?

Cast your vote on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7168893363071496194?

Creating a new gTLD? Why choosing a Retail Registrar as your provider makes sense!

This is the English summary of a French article I recently wrote on the reasons why it is important to select a new gTLD service provider who also owns one or more retail Registrars before creating a Registry dedicated to selling domain names through the network of accredited Registrars. If submitting the application to ICANN was the difficulty in the first round of new gTLDs, sales figures have clearly demonstrated - 10 years after the first round of new gTLDs -  that the main difficulty in the next round will be “to sell”.

To avoid being listed next to the 760 existing extensions at most Registrars, here are a few tips I would do when choosing my service provider prior to launching a new Registry in the next round of the ICANN new gTLD program:

• Some providers offer the full range of services: writing of the application (knowledge with legal and financial aspect of the procedure), mandatory back end registry provider (including other services such as Escrow solution...) and existing retail registrar(s). Why then choose different providers if one can make it all? They are not many on the internatinal market but they exist and are probably the ones with the best knowledge and offer.
• Some retail Registrars now own their own back end registry solution provider (this did not exist in the first round of the ICANN new gTLD program): since retail registrars have no obligation to promote a TLD instead of another, negotiating your new gTLD’s presence at your retail Registrar’s provider makes sense instead of choosing a provider who cannot offer such a powerful tool. Remember two things:
• Your objective is to sell domain names.
• Your provider wants you as a client: your negotiation capacity is strong.
• Some retail Registrars sell lots of domain names worldwide and you want to be seen on their front page (and not listed on their list of hundreds of other suggested extensions). If your TLD is generic enough to interest them, negotiating visibility or marketing can make a strong difference in the success of your project.
• Your chosen provider does not necessarily have to be a back end Registry provider owning a Retail Registrar. If he is a retail Registrar with an offer and the price offered to create your TLD is interesting enough, he can be a partner of choice for the success of your project. What matters is his capacity to give visibility to your extension when it launches.
• Presence, promotion and visibility at the retail Registrar are important in the negotiation to become his client (or not) but direct and repeated promotion at his clients by email or through its newsletter can also be an advantage. Remember that combined marketing makes the both of you earn money. If your new gTLD provider doesn't care about your visibility as a partner, then...investigate the contract he wants you to sign: a partner who doesn't care about the success of yout project is not a good partner. A new gTLD must develop and you don't get into such an expensive project to find out that you have had less than 10.000 domains sold after 10 years of existence, or do you?
• Be careful with announcements to your partner’s clients: retail Registrars have the capacity to seriously promote your extension at their clients, and this repeatedly. Corporate registrars don’t do such promotions, they often just “announce”.
• Be careful with too much “blabla” when it comes to selecting a provider, the legal, technical and financial knowledge have now propagated enough and a provider must be able to answer all questions and the better when he has experience but what really matters is the project:
• Developing a Registry and selling domain names or,
• Using the full potential of a .BRAND extension (not dedicated to selling domain names).

There are not so many service providers to offer the full range of services to create a new generic Top-Level Domain dedicated to selling domain names (not "dotBrands"). The main services I'd definitely look for a project would be:

1. A capacity to fill in my application until validation at the ICANN, with the necessary knowledge would something unexpected happen (objection, auction...);
2. A backend registry solution provider;
3. A famous retail Registrar.

Interested in having Jovenet Consulting to take care of all this for you? Contact us.

Backend Registry: I want you to build my next new gTLD offer

At Jovenet Consulting, we think that the next round of the ICANN new gTLD program will be quite something: we spent the past 10 years watching how existing new registries behave and we now quite know what upcoming applicants want: if some just don't know - like in was the case in the first round, some do.

Many lessons were learnt on applicants' expectations prior to the first round to start in 2012 but today's reality turns out to be different, numbers don't lie : only 6 registries on a list of more than 500 reached out to more than 1 million domain names. Is this where a future applicant wants to stand after 10 years of existence? This is a true question to have prior to submitting a new gTLD application to ICANN.

Combining efforts with a "Backend"

We already know what many upcoming applicants want to pay, we also know that they have high expectations. If submitting a dotBRAND application will be an easy procedure, creating a Registry to sell domain names will not be the same: does an applicant who enters the game want to renew 1.500 domain names each year? Probably not. What about 100,000 or one million? Sounds better doesn't it?

With that objective in mind, applicants will need to address the right partners and backend registry provider: some are already well prepared for dotBrand type of applications but "selling" domain names through the network of accredited registrars will require a studied strategy and a team.

Backend Registry required

Jovenet Consulting is confident that a company willing to invest thousands of dollars/euros in its new gTLD project will want a clear path to success. To do so, we - Jovenet Consulting, want to partner with a Backend Registry provider, not only to develop the best offer on the market but also to be able to offer that "key in hand" solution to our clients.

Our vision is to make it more simple for upcoming applicants to launch their Top-Level Domain. To do so, we want to partner with a Backend Registry provider for which we will sell the offer to our clients if we believe it is a good one. We want this to be a team's job and not a "do it all and send us your client". We are ready to sign a contract for this.

For interested backend registries, please contact us at Jovenet Consulting.