Singapore Opens Up Second-Level Web Addresses

By Aloysius Choong, CNETAsia

SINGAPORE--Companies and individuals will soon be able to host their Web sites at shorter and simpler addresses like www.xyz.sg.

The move to make second-level ".sg" domain names available, announced by the Singapore Network Information Center (SGNIC) on Monday, will give users an alternative to third-level Web addresses ending with .com.sg, .org.sg, .edu.sg and .gov.sg.

The registration process for a second-level domain name will also be simplified. For example, users outside Singapore will now be allowed to register, as long as they can provide a Singapore contact. In contrast, only companies and organizations based on the island-state can apply for third-level Web addresses.

According to Lim Choon Sai, SGNIC's general manager, the move is expected to generate a surge in local domain name registrations as evidenced by the strong uptake in other countries. Hong Kong, for instance, has seen 13,612 new registrations since it opened up second-level domains in May 2004.

In Singapore, one-third to half of the 39,000 current third-level domain name owners are expected to apply, Lim said.

To minimize disputes, SGNIC will invite applications in phases. From Sep. 15 to Jan. 2 next year, domain names will first be allocated to registered trademark holders, well-known mark holders, government organizations and existing registrants, in that order.

For competing applicants within the same group, the addresses will be allocated via bidding.

After Jan. 2, when the second-level domains come into effect here, the public will be able to apply for the addresses on a first-come-first-serve basis.