Nominet launches consultation on new .uk domain names

Most web addresses in the UK oblige the owner to use a standard second level domain such as .co.uk.  Now, with the trend of shorter domain names and the imminent launch of generic gtlds, the .uk registry, Nominet, is considering allowing custom second level domains.  This will allow parties to omit the .co element and register domain names such as ipkat.uk.

No, not that type of CO

Nominet says:

      Nominet is launching a consultation on the potential introduction of a new service, which if approved would signal a significant change for the .uk domain name space.

      The proposed new service, called direct.uk, is aimed at businesses and would potentially offer shorter domain names registered at the second level (i.e. www.yourbusiness.uk) as well as one of the most comprehensive package of security features available.

      We are now seeking views from all stakeholders on the potential introduction of this proposed new service, which would be made available alongside the existing .uk portfolio. Nominet's Director of Operations Eleanor Bradley explains more in this video.

      You can view the proposals and respond to the consultation either by completing an online form at www.nominet.org.uk/go/directuk by downloading the consultation and emailing your comments to direct@nominet.org.uk, or by requesting a hard copy of the consultation from direct@nominet.org.uk.

      All feedback needs to reach us by Monday 7 January 2013.

This Kat anticipates that current .co.uk domain name owners are likely to demand some form of "grandfathering" to acquire the shorter equivalent [meanwhile brand owners have to shell out yet more cash for another set of registrations - where will it end?].