Domain namer shuffles feet over GTLD delays

DOMAIN NAME POLICE at Icann have admitted plans to launch new generic top-level domains (GTLDs) are running behind schedule.

"Some overarching issues could delay things," Icann's director of product services and communications, Karla Valente said, while insisting that they should still be available before the end of the year.

The new rules would allow the creation of any TLD with up to 64 characters, including regional suffixes, generic words and brand names.

The outfit blamed the complexity of the task and the need for transparency for delays in implementing the GTLDs.

Valente admitted the overseers weren't even sure whether there is enough space on the Domain Name System to accommodate the new domains.

A second draft of the GTLD Applicant Guidebook was released today, containing analysis of the first round of public comment on the proposals. µ