Welcome Registry Operators
Please note that the English language version of all translated content and documents are the official versions and that translations in other languages are for informational purposes only.
This site is designed to provide information for and about generic top-level domain (gTLD) registry operators.
The role of the registry operator within the Internet ecosystem is to keep the master database of all domain names registered in each top-level domain (TLD) and generate the "zone file" that allows computers to route Internet traffic to and from TLDs anywhere in the world.
The ICANN organization designates registry operators to provide certain domain name registration services relating to gTLDs. The agreements between ICANN and registry operators outline certain responsibilities for each party.
GDD Accounts and Services team supports registry operators by managing the services registry operators use to fulfill their contractual obligations with ICANN, by establishing relationships with registry operators to better understand the marketplace, and by helping registry operators remain in compliance with their agreement. Collaboratively, the ICANN organization and registry operators work together to ensure a secure, stable and resilient gTLD namespace.
The Basics
The ICANN organization's gTLD Registry area provides information on:
- Advisories, Consensus Policies and Temporary Policies
- News & Events
- Registry Agreements
- Registry Resources
- Services for Registry Operators
What We Do
Registry Services
Under certain circumstances the registry operator must inform, request approval, and/or request consent from the ICANN organization to add new services they would like to offer that are not currently defined in their Registry Agreement. To facilitate these processes, service managers plan, design and implement the services necessary to support registry operator requests. Registry services include, but are not limited to Registry Operator Name Change, Registry Service Evaluation Process, Change of Control, and Registry Agreement Termination Service.
Additionally, our team implements Consensus Policies by creating implementation plans, engaging community led Implementation Review Teams, and conducting outreach to relevant stakeholders.
Outreach & Engagement
Each registry operator has an assigned account manager, who serves as the point of contact for matters of escalation and advocates for registry operators' needs within the ICANN organization.
Account managers work proactively with registry operators and consultants for registry operators to understand their business needs and challenges. The account managers help address concerns from their assigned registry operators and develop educational tools and resources that make it easier for the registry operator to stay in compliance with their registry agreement.
How we work with Registry Operators
Registry operators are encouraged to submit formal questions and requests via the Naming Service portal or via email to globalsupport@icann.org.
The account manager, assigned to each registry operator, may be used as resource for consultations prior to submitting formal service requests, as well as a point of escalation for any issues or concerns that may arise.
As the ICANN organization continuously strives to improve support and service to the community, we publish service level targets (SLTs) that provide visibility into expected response times. The SLTs and their associated metrics can be found here: https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/metrics-gdd-2015-01-30-en.