The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), a global multi-stakeholder organization responsible in coordinating and managing the DNS, IP addresses, autonomous system numbers, and top-level domain names (TLDs) approved the application of the New York City government for an .nyc geographical TLD.
New York City is one of the first cities in the United States and around the world to have its own unique, and city-specific top-level domain name, which can be used by its residents and businesses in their web addresses.
The New York City government through its Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DoITT) submitted an application for a .nyc geographical TLD to ICANN as part of its Digital Road Map. The main objective for the .nyc domain name is to enable innovation and digital services for city residents and economic advantages for businesses.
New York City’s Ambition: “The Greatest City On The Internet”
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said, “Having our own unique top-level domain—.nyc—puts New York City at the forefront of the digital landscape and creates new opportunities for our small business. They’ll now be able to identify themselves as connected to New York City, one of the world’s strongest and most prestigious brands.
Christine Quinn, speaker of the city council called for the creation of a top-level domain name for New York City in 2009. In response to her call, the DoITT seek for partners to operate the .nyc TLD by issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) in October 2009. The DoiTT selected Neustar as partner to manage and supervise the application and operations of the .nyc TLD.
“With a new top-level domain name, New York won’t just be the greatest city in the world — we’ll also be the greatest city on the internet,” according to Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn.
On the other hand, Rachel Haot, chief digital officer of the city said, “Pursuing the .nyc top-level domain has been a goal of Mayor Bloomberg’s Digital Roadmap… Our digital strategy is focused on improving the lives of New Yorkers through investments in technology infrastructure, education, data, engagement and industry. The introduction of .nyc will spur unprecedented local civic and economic activity.”
NYC Business May Soon Register Websites As .nyc
In order to register a .nyc domain name, registrants must have a primary place of residence with a “bona fide presence” in New York City. Registrants (individuals, businesses, government agencies, non-government organizations) must prove that they are regularly performing lawful activities and maintaining an office or other facilities in the city.
The city government will still determine the fees for registering .nyc domain names. Registration will start in the latter part of 2013.
