First written and published on February 19, 2009 Revised and Updated on March 23, 2009 FAQs on .Tel domain names Introduction Since February 3rd 2009, .tel domains are available to the general public on a first-come, first-served basis. We believe, as do many in the technology industry and the media, that the .tel is perhaps the biggest innovation since the launch of .com. Just as .com was innovative in pioneering the ease of access to new web content globally, providing a real 'first' for the internet, .tel is as unique a top level domain in driving communications and contact information to all devices on the internet. How is .tel different? A .tel domain allows the owner to create a personalized or branded online presence without needing to build a website or pay for monthly hosting and management. All other top level domains require further investment and the development of web pages or email accounts, whereas .tel does not. All existing top level domains are concerned with locating and hosting websites, while the .tel is not. Rather than being stored in web pages, making them difficult or expensive to access over mobile devices, the .tel allows businesses and individuals to store an unlimited number and all types of contact information directly in the Domain Name System (DNS) as data records. Why is storing data in the DNS important? Using the DNS as a data store enables individuals and businesses to utilize this powerful system to publish information globally, securely, quickly and easily. Because no websites need to be created, much less time is required in order to publish information. The data is delivered as live information rather than web page content and is formatted appropriately for any device accessing the .tel domain. The .tel domain will have huge implications in terms of speed, global reach, real-time updating, improved control and the optimization of content for mobile devices.  What are the key benefits for businesses? * Integration of all means of communication in a single place under their brand * An entry into the next-generation yellow pages with instant worldwide exposure* A very efficient and cost effective mobile presence * Increased search engine discoverability * all without the need to build, host or manage a website. What are the key benefits for individuals? * Control over all the ways people reach them in a single place that is theirs forever * Protection of their private data * Always current information with real-time updates * Reachable in a single click * all without the need to build, host or manage a website. How can .tel domains be monetized? Because the .tel owner cannot host their own website under their domain, there is a temptation to believe that monetization of .tel will not be possible. Quite the contrary is true. The .tel adds a huge number of 'click to purchase' monetization opportunities, especially targeted to mobile cellular devices, that shrewd investors should appreciate. Please contact us and we will tell you how it can be monetized. All domain names will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis for a 3-year term at a fixed price. No domain names are being held back for auctions (as was the case with .mobi, .me and .asia). Therefore, there will only be a short window to take advantage of the great opportunity to register valuable domain names that were not already registered by trademark owners. For more info, please get in touch with us at sales@mmguniversal.com. The home page of registry can be accessed by clicking here. What is .TEL? .TEL Domain Names offer a unique service that allows individuals and businesses alike to store and manage all their contact information and keywords directly in the DNS (Domain Naming System) without the need to build, host or manage a website.  Simple structured navigation to easily reach the most relevant information.  Instant accessibility for your business or brand from any device connected to the internet. Your customers simply type your Domain into a browser, select a method of contact and click to initiate communication.  It increases your business's discoverability online by allowing you to publish multi-lingual keywords for each department and location that are indexed by leading search-engines.  The ability to specify multi-lingual, structured information and keywords. An effective mobile presence through optimized DNS lookups.  Why .TEL?  A .TEL Domain enables you to store, update and publish all your contact information, web links and keywords directly on the internet under your own unique Domain name.  Simple, fast and accessible from any device, .TEL provides a new internet standard which allows you to take full control over how and where people reach you. The .TEL Domain delivers: Integration of any and all means of communication (i.e. Phone numbers, IM, VOIP, Email, Social Media).  Full ownership of your published data - complete protection of your private data which is only viewable by people you authorize. Simple structured navigation to easily reach the most relevant information.  Instant accessibility for your business or brand from any device connected to the internet. Your customers simply type your Domain name into a browser, select a method of contact and click to initiate communication.  It increases your business's discoverability online by allowing you to publish multi-lingual keywords for each department and location that are indexed by leading search-engines.  The ability to specify multi-lingual, structured information and keywords.  An effective mobile presence through optimized DNS lookups.  What are the restrictions on a .TEL Domain?  There are certain restrictions that have been mandated by the Registry for.TEL Domains. They are as follows:  A Domain name must have a minimum of 3 characters and a maximum of 63 characters. This does not include the .TEL suffix.  In accordance with the standard US ASCII script, every Domain name must contain at least one letter from a-z or "A to Z".  Domain names cannot begin or end with a hyphen. Nor can they be a hyphen in the 3rd or 4th position of a Domain name.  No .TEL Domain can consist purely of numbers.  The .TEL naming conventions are explained in detail in the Acceptable Usage Policy.  Domain names under this extension are subject to the Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) for any related disputes.  Can I keep my data confidential?  A .TEL Domain enables you to protect your private data, allowing it to be seen only by people you authorize via a simple authentication request.  Furthermore, you can choose which information you want specific people to see.  A simple 'friending' request will allow your friends access to your data when they log in.  What is a Land rush Period?  Land rush is a limited period wherein anyone can apply for their preferred Domain Names at a premium price before the actual registrations go Live.  Who is eligible to register Domains during the Land rush period?  There are no restrictions or criteria for who can apply for a .TEL Domain.  What is the term for which I can buy a .TEL Domain? During the Sunrise and Land rush period, Domains get registered for a default of 3 years. General Registrations can be done for anywhere between 1-10 years. © Copyright, Mar-09 . www.mmguniversal.com. Without prejudice. All rights reserved