Nominet’s proposals to add a .uk domain have not been popular, to put it mildly.
However, it has decided to introduce the change anyway, albeit with some minor concessions.
Critics point out that the new domains aren’t necessary, devalue the existing .co.uk domains, and impose unwanted costs on online businesses.
So why has Nominet decided to go ahead with the move anyway? I’ve asked the question…
The recent decision by Nominet to forge ahead with the introduction of new .uk domains has not been met with widespread approval, to say the least.
Nominet’s own consultations uncovered strong oppostion to the plans, but this was apparently not enough to force a rethink.
I have made our opposition to the proposals very clear, but one conpany in favour of the planned .uk domians is 123-reg.
I’ve been asking Matt Mansell, Head of Domain Strategy at its parent company Host Europe Group about his views.
Nobody outside of the organisation seems to think this is a good idea, but Nominet is going ahead with the .uk domains anyway.
As we have reported before, the plan for the new domains will force many online businesses to grab extra domains, thereby paying extra renewal fees and more.
There are no convincing benefits for online businesses, though Nominet and its members look set to profit from the move.
No matter though, as Nominet has announced that the new domains will be rolled out from summer 2014.
The new .uk domains seem to be unstoppable, despite the many potential drawbacks for UK businesses and consumers.
Here are a few reasons why I, and others, think this is a bad idea…
I reported at the end of last year on Nominet’s controversial proposals for .uk domains, which were viewed with scepticism by many businesses.
Nominet recently came back after a consultation process with modified proposals, but the big question still remains: are they actually necessary?
The problem is that this move potentialy devalues .co.uk domains, and will therefore force businesses to cough up for the .uk equivalent.
And who benefits? Nominet, to the tune of £25m+…
Nominet’s recent proposals for a .uk extension for domain names have not been met with universal approval.
There is much concern that the new domains will end up costing online businesses a lot of money with no obvious benefits to compensate.
In an email Q&A, I put some of these concerns to Nominet’s Director of Marketing and Communications Phil Kingsland…
Nominet, the UK’s (non-profit) governing body for domain names, announced proposals last month for a .uk extension for domain names.
Nominet claims this will ‘support the economic growth of the UK internet’, but this view isn’t shared by many digital professionals, who see it as more of a shakedown which could cost UK business £50m per year.
As 93% of all UK domain names use .co.uk, this has significant implications for the UK’s digital economy.