Following the recent consultation on variable registration periods that was held between 5 July 2011 and 5 August 2011, we have collated the responses. You can read a summary and analysis of the responses here. Thank you for taking the time to respond.

Consultation

Currently .uk domain names may be registered for a period of two years.  This paper deals with the possible introduction of periods other than 2 years - variable registration periods. 

Nominet has agreed to consider how variable registration periods may be introduced within the .uk space.  We outline a potential methodology for the implementation of variable registration periods for domain names, with a view to gaining stakeholder feedback.

Offering .uk registrations for registration periods other than 2 years creates more choice for registrants and enables them to apply different strategies to management of their domain names, such as securing their domains for longer periods.

However, we are mindful that the introduction of variable registration periods requires careful consideration of the potential impact on levels of registrations, renewal rates, data quality, business planning and customer service.  It should also be consistent with our requirement to act in the public interest. 

We would welcome thoughts from registrars and other stakeholders.

Background

Why Nominet is considering doing this

Currently .uk domain names may be registered for a period of two years.  Over a number of years we have received requests from registrars and registrants of domain names that we accept registrations for periods other than just two years.

In response to these requests, the Policy Advisory Body ("PAB") considered the introduction of Variable Registration Periods (VRP). The PAB made recommendations, which the Board approved, including that, subject to pricing principles being agreed, single and other multi-year registrations could be introduced for .uk domain name registrations.

Factors to consider

Research looking at uptake in other Top Level Domains, such as .com, .net, .org, indicates that there is demand for both shorter and longer domain name registration periods than the 2-year registration currently offered within .uk.

A high proportion of registrations in the major TLDs - around 90% - are for a one year term.  On the other hand there is evidence to suggest that some registrants may also favour longer registration periods, to increase the security of their registrations.

Changing registration periods and prices will have implications for levels of registrations, potential renewal rates, improvement / degradation in data quality, business planning and customer service for Nominet and its registrars. 

The costs associated with the management of domain names and the introduction of variable registration periods are impacted by a number of factors.  They include management of the register, updating the data on the register, development of registration systems, provision of DNS services, registrant and registrar support and management of data quality.  We believe a non-linear pricing approach for single year registrations is the most prudent approach given lack of certainty around the associated costs and levels of take up.

Our suggested approach

Based on discussion with various stakeholders, we are presenting a number of options available for the introduction of variable registration periods. 

Please note: all prices below are the wholesale price from Nominet to registrars / members.

The options include:

1. Introduce variable registration periods of 1, 2, 5 and 10 years

2. Introduce variable registration periods of 2, 5 and 10 years

3. Introduce variable registration periods of 1-10 years

4. Introduce variable registration periods of 2-10 years

Feedback

We sought feedback on this possible implementation process until 5 August 2011.

You can download a pdf version of our consultation paper. A summary of the responses are available here.

Thank you for taking the time to respond.