MTLD Top Level Domain Ltd.
| Organization | |
|---|---|
| |
| Type | Commercial |
| Focus | Mobile, Internet |
| Region | EUR |
| Country |
|
| City | Dublin |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Ownership | Afilias |
| Websites | |
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| |
Afilias Technologies Limited, formerly known as mTLD Top Level Domain Ltd., (known publicly as dotMobi) is a top level domain registry and the first of its kind engaged in offering Internet connection services to mobile devices. The company was founded in May, 2006[1] alongside Sunrise registrations. The General registration took place in October, 2006. ICANN had approved dotMobi in July, 2005.[2] mTLD is a fully owned subsidiary of Afilias as of February 11, 2010.[3]
.mobi is a sponsored top level domain, with various advisory groups overseeing its adherence to its sponsoring community.
Origin[edit | edit source]
Afilias Technologies Limited, formerly known as mTLD Top Level Domain Ltd., is a subsidiary owned by Afilias,[4] and was founded by 14 companies[5] – Google, Ericsson, Hutchison 3, Nokia, GSM Association, Samsung Electronics, Telefónica Móviles, Syniverse, Orascom Telecom, Microsoft, Vodafone, Telecom Italia Mobile (TIM), Visa and T-Mobile.[6] Afilias fully acquired mTLD Top Level Domain, after only having limited stakes in the company, in February, 2010. Following that deal it was announced that mTLD would continue to be the registry operator for the .mobi TLD under contract with ICANN.[7]
The ICANN Board agreed to enter into negotiations with the proposed .mobi contract in 2004;[8] when they awarded the sTLD to mTLD it was for a 10 year contract.[9] At the time it was questioned whether or not an entire TLD for mobile devices was truly necessary.[10]
Company Name[edit | edit source]
The reason for naming the company dotMobi was to let the consumers know that the company is entirely dedicated to mobile phone services, offering web on mobile devices. The naming of a site with a “.mobi” address ensures the users they are accessing a site which offers services on phone regardless of the mobile handset or the network operator they are using.
References[edit | edit source]
ICANNWiki resources: Content Guide | Documentation | Development || Maintenance: Articles needing attention | Candidates for deletion || Projects: Internet & Digital Governance Library