ICANN’s New gTLD Round: Your Questions Answered 

With ICANN opening the new gTLD programme application window in April 2026, brands and registry operators have a rare opportunity to secure their own top-level domain (TLD) for the first time since 2012. To help understand what this means and how to prepare, we spoke with Principal Registry Specialist, Gordon Dick about the application process, the role of a Registry Service Provider (RSP), and how Nominet can support applicants.

To start with the basics – what’s the new gTLD programme and why is it important?

ICANN’s new gTLD programme lets organisations apply for their own top-level domains. That could be a dot brand (like .SKY) or an open generic TLD (gTLD). What makes this round particularly important is that it is the first opportunity to apply since 2012. So, for global brands and registry operators, it’s a rare chance to shape their online identity or how they expand their digital strategy.

So, who is this for?

Global brands might see a TLD as a way to strengthen and differentiate their digital identity. Others, like potential gTLD registry operators, may want to launch new generic or community-focused TLDs. In many cases, a TLD can help with brand trust, security, and visibility, while giving organisations greater control over their online presence.

What needs to be in place before someone can submit an application to ICANN?

Every applicant must submit a formal application to ICANN. As part of this, applicants must select a Registry Service Provider (RSP). ICANN looks at your chosen RSP as part of its technical evaluation. That’s why picking an RSP early is helpful. It means the technical foundations are ready when the application window opens.

What does an RSP do day-to-day?

An RSP operates the technical infrastructure of the TLD, which keeps it working and secure. That includes the five critical registry functions: EPP for the Shared Registry System, DNS, DNSSEC, Registration Directory Service (RDDS), and Escrow generation. All of this must meet ICANN’s security and stability requirements. As an RSP, we take care of that complexity so applicants can focus on the strategy and business value of their TLD, rather than worrying about the infrastructure behind it.

What sets Nominet apart from the other providers – what experience do you have?

Firstly, our track record. Nominet has operated the .UK TLD since 1996, it is one of the largest country code registries in the world and successfully applied for .wales and .cymru in the 2012 round. Since then, we’ve grown to operate over 85 TLDs. 

We’re also the only Emergency Back-end Registry Operator (EBERO) worldwide to have been used by ICANN.  

We’ve passed Registry System Testing for all three primary RSP service types: Main, DNS, and DNSSEC. In addition, we’re authorised to support Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) and can help with local law compliance through our experience and trusted proxy RSP relationships. 

And we’ve invested in an upgraded platform that meets the requirements of critical national infrastructure, making us one of the most secure RSPs in the market. 

Do applicants need to choose a pre-evaluated RSP, or is that optional?

No, but choosing one that’s already completed ICANN’s technical evaluation makes the process smoother and with less risk. It shows we’ve already met ICANN’s operational and security standards, which means less complexity and fewer surprises during the application process.

How would a TLD be manged day-to-day? 

Customers manage their TLD through our platform, Dragon. It’s designed so they can self-serve and manage their entire TLD from anywhere in the world at any time. With Dragon, they get live registry data all in one place.

Every organisation is unique – how flexible can you be around different business needs? 

Very. We know organisations often have specific operational or policy requirements that don’t always fit neatly into a standard ICANN framework. Our approach is to work with customers to adapt technical services and contractual arrangements, so they work best for their business, while still staying fully compliant with ICANN’s obligations. 

Finally, what support is available beyond Nominet’s technical platform?

Alongside registry operations, customers benefit from Nominet’s industry expertise, ongoing customer service team, and dedicated account management. We’re here throughout the lifecycle of a TLD – from application stage through to launch and ongoing operations.