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.mobi Frequently Asked Questions

What is a .MOBI?
Dotmobi is a top-level domain (TLD) approved by ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. Dotmobi is unique – it is the first top level domain dedicated to delivering the Internet to your mobile device. Dotmobi is sponsored by a consortium of companies which includes the most prominent mobile and Internet players in the world, such as Google, Ericsson, Hutchison, Microsoft, Nokia, Samsung Electronics, Telefónica Móviles, Vodafone etc. More about .mobi.

Why should I get a .MOBI domain?
Worldwide, there are more digital mobile phones than televisions and PCs combined. According to recent research, more than half of mobile handsets are less than a year old, with most having full Internet capabilities. In emerging markets where fixed line communications are scarce, analysts predict wireless will be the communication channel of choice.

That’s where dotmobi comes in - it makes the mobile device as useful as a PC for browsing and data services, but far more portable.

Dotmobi provides the critical link between the mobile operator, Internet services and the users to make their mobile devices the Internet and communication tool of choice. More about .mobi.

When can I register a .MOBI domain name?
Members of the general public may start registering their .mobi domain names in October, 2006 ( during the Landrush or the General Registration periods). If you are the holder of a recognized Trademark you can register your Trademark as a .mobi domain name during a Sunrise Registration period which begins on June 12, 2006 and goes until the end of September. If you are a member of GSMA, CTIA , MMA , CWTA, MEF, RCA or AMTA you may register your Trademark as a .mobi domain during a Limited Industry registration period from May 22, 2006 to May 29, 2006. Pre-register with us starting May 17th!

What are the valid characters for a .MOBI domain name?
Dotmobi domain names can contain the English-language letters A through Z, and the digits 0 through 9. You can also use hyphens, but hyphens cannot begin or end your domain name. Spaces and special characters (such as !, $, &, ë, and so on) are never permitted.

How long can a .MOBI domain name be?
The minimum length of a dotmobi domain name is 3 characters, and the maximum length is 63 characters (excluding the "http://www" and ".MOBI" portions).

What is the Sunrise Registration period?
The Sunrise Registration is an exclusive period of time prior to General Registration when the owners of Intellectual Property, such as Trademark holders, have an opportunity to register their desired names in the .mobi Top Level Domain. It is a service provided by the dotmobi registry to protect the rights of the owners of Intellectual Property. The Limited Industry Sunrise Registration Period starts on May 22, 2006; Trademark Sunrise starts on June 12, 2006.

Who is eligible to register a .MOBI domain name during the Sunrise Period?
Only qualified Trademark holders may register their domain names during the Sunrise Period. Trademark owners will have to provide the following information:

  • Trademark name (must be three or more ASCII characters)
  • Trademark identification number
  • Date of Trademark application (this date must be before July 11th 2005)
  • Date of granting of trademark
  • Country of trademark registration

Who is considered a "qualified" Trademark owner for the purposes of the Sunrise Registration Period?
A qualified Trademark owner for the purposes of the Sunrise Registration Period is anyone who holds a Trademark or Service mark applied for prior to July 11, 2005 and granted before the date of the domain name application.

What is the Landrush Registration period?
Landrush is a two-week period of time prior to General Registration during which individuals or organizations may register their dotmobi domain name through a registrar at a premium price. The Landrush Period starts in October, 2006.

Who is eligible to register a .MOBI domain during the Landrush Registration period?
Any individual or organization who agrees to the terms and conditions of a dotmobi Accredited Registrar may register a .mobi domain name during Landrush and General Registration.

What are the registration terms for .MOBI domain names registered during the Landrush?
Domain names registered during the Landrush Period must be registered for a minimum of two years, and may be registered for up to a maximum of ten years.

When can I start using my .MOBI domain name?
Domain names registered during the Landrush Registration period will resolve within 24 hours and generally much sooner.

What is the General Registration period?
General Registration is the period during which individuals and organisations may register their dotmobi domain name through a .mobi Accredited Registrar. General Registration continues indefinitely.

Who is eligible to register a domain name during the General Registration period?
Any individual or organization who agrees to the terms and conditions of a dotmobi Accredited Registrar may register a .mobi domain name during the General Registration Period.

What are the registration terms for domain names registered during the General Registration Period?
Domain names registered during the General Registration Period must be registered for a minimum of two years, and may be registered for up to a maximum of ten years.

What are the technical requirements for websites using the .MOBI domain name?
Currently, mTLD has outlined three mandatory requirements for .MOBI domains:

  • Responses to URLs must be encoded in XHTML (WAP 2.0).  This is to ensure the premium usability of the site for visitors using their mobile devices.
  • .MOBI sites must implement a page at the second level domain.  This is to eliminate the need to type in “www” when browsing .mobi sites from a mobile device.  For example, the web server should be able to respond to HTTP requests to www.mydomainname.com and to mydomainname.com. 
  • No frames

A complete lists of .mobi website requirements and recommended practices is available in mTLD’s Switch On Guide.

 


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