The Singapore Network Information Centre (SGNIC), which administers the Internet domain name space in Singapore, will launch registration for the second-level '.sg' domain names on September 15.

Presently, Internet domain names registered in Singapore are third-level '.sg' domain names like xyz.com.sg. With the launch, second-level ..sg. domain names like xyz.sg will be possible.

SGNIC General Manager Lim Choon Sai said that this move is intended to create more choices and a vibrant Internet environment in Singapore through the expansion of '.sg' domain names.

.This move is in line with global Internet trends adopted by places like Hong Kong, Japan, China and the US,. said Mr Lim.

Mr Lim expects up to half of the 39,000 owners of third-level registered domain names in Singapore will register for 2nd level domain names. These domain name owners will also be likely to keep their existing third-level domain names, added Mr Lim.

Registration for the second-level '.sg' domain names are in two phases. Phase I or the Soft Launch will last from September 15 to January 2 next year. During this phase, all registered trademark holders, well-known mark holders, government bodies and existing registrants will be given priority in that order, to register their names at the second-level.

They can do this during the first six-weeks of Phase I known as the Sunrise Period. All applications received within this period will then be processed as a batch and not on a first-come-first-served basis. As such, interested parties need not rush to apply for a second-level domain name.

In Phase II or the General Launch period which starts from January 3 next year, applications for second-level domain names will be processed on a first-come-first-served basis.

Should there be competing applications by parties within the same priority group for the same domain name, SGNIC will allocate it via bidding. This applies for applications received during the Soft Launch period and will take into account the interests of all concerned.

SGNIC has appointed seven accredited commercial registrars to handle the registration of second level domain names. They are Adicio Pte Ltd, Cybersite Pte Ltd, IP Mirror Pte Ltd, Pacific Internet Ltd, SingNet Pte Ltd, Vooju Pte Ltd and Webvisions Pte Ltd.

These registrars will also provide value-added services besides registration of second domain names. According to Adicio Managing Director Lye Chan Loy, the services include helping to link the second level domain names with the current third level names and linking of e-mail addresses with new second level domain addresses.

Local telco StarHub has indicated that one of the reasons that it will be registering for the second-level domain name to prevent any possible misuse. They will also be keeping their current third-level domain name of .starhub.com..

To prevent possible misuse of domain names, applicants have to show their trademark certificates issued by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS).

Mr Lye added that the Sunrise Period helps to give existing registrants time to lay claim to their new second-level domain names.