Domain Names

To get a .ca domain, go to the CA Domain Homepage. There is no charge to register a .ca domain, although there is a charge to set it up and maintain it.

Changes are being made to the .ca domain structure. For the latest information go to www.canarie.ca/cdncc/.

For a .com, .net, .org, or .edu domain name, you must register with InterNIC. InterNIC charges you $70 up front, which is good for 2 years, and $35 a year after that. The prices went down in April from $100 and $50. Service will also be setup and maintenance charges.

Changes are being discussed in the treatment of InterNIC and the top level domains they administer. The official website for this discussion is the Generic Top Level Domain Memorandum of Understanding. For a good summary of what's going on, check out this briefing paper. The new top level domains being considered are:

• .firm - for businesses, or firms
• .shop - for businesses offering goods to purchase
• .web - for entities emphasizing activities related to the World Wide Web
• .arts - for entities emphasizing cultural and entertainment activities
• .rec - for entities emphasizing recreation/entertainment activities
• .info - for entities providing information services
• .nom - for those wishing individual or personal nomenclature, i.e., a personal nom de plume