The following is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the domain name registration process and the new competitive registration environment.

     What does it mean to "register" a domain name? The Internet domain name system (DNS) consists of a directory, organized hierarchically, of all the domain names and their corresponding computers registered to particular companies and persons using the Internet. When you register a domain name, it will be associated with the computer on the Internet you designate during the period the registration is in effect. See the Domain Name FAQ for more technical information about domain names.

     How can I get a domain name in .com, .net or .org? Domain names ending with .com, .net or .org can be registered through many different companies (known as "registrars") that compete with one another. The registration services we provide are through an affiliation with an ICANN accredited registrar.

     Can I choose the registrar I want to register a domain name for my web site?  Yes. You may obtain registration services through any of the ICANN accredited registrars.

     What is involved in registering a domain name in .com, .net or .org? To register a domain name, you will be asked to provide the various contact and technical information that makes up the registration. The registrar will then keep records of the contact information and submit the technical information to a central directory known as the "registry." This registry provides other computers on the Internet the information necessary to send you e-mail or to find your web site. You will also be bound by the ICANN approved registration contract with the registrar, which sets forth the terms under which your registration is accepted and will be maintained.

     What is the process for submitting the required registration information? Different registrars offer different means of submitting the information. We provide a web-based registration service with automatic credit card clearing. We also provide registration services by telephone and mail. Further, we will work with your ISP to obtain the required information, when necessary.

     Will my name and contact information be publicly available? Yes. Information about who is responsible for domain name is publicly available to allow rapid resolution of technical problems and to permit enforcement of consumer protection, trademark, and other laws. The registrar will make this information available to the public on a "Whois" site.

     How long does a registration last? Can it be renewed? The initial registration period is one to ten years. Existing registrations can be renewed for one to ten years. The maximum registration term is ten years.

     How much does a domain-name registration name cost? Each registrar sets the price it charges for registering names, and the prices (and services) may vary significantly among different registrars. Our registration fee is competitive and varies by the term selected.

     When do I have to pay for my domain name? The registration fee must be paid before the domain name can be registered. We accept cash, checks, money orders, checks via fax, Master Card, Visa and American Express, for your convenience.

     Can I change registrars after registering a domain name? Yes, you may change the registrar of your domain name at any time more than sixty days after initial registration and less than the expiration date of your current term of registration.

     I have seen advertisements for domain-name registration by companies which are not ICANN accredited. Are these legitimate? Only registrars accredited by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) are authorized to register .com, .net and .org names in the registry. Some of these accredited registrars offer their services through affiliates, like us.

     What is ICANN? ICANN is the non-profit, private sector corporation that has assumed responsibility from the U.S. Government for coordinating certain Internet technical functions, including the management of Internet domain name system. All registrars of .com, .net and .org TLD's must be accredited by ICANN.

     Someone else has registered by company's name as a .com domain name. What is the process for resolving my complaint? All ICANN accredited registrars follow a uniform dispute resolution policy. Under that policy, disputes over entitlement to a domain-name registration are ordinarily resolved by litigation between the parties claiming rights to the registration. Once the court rules on who is entitled to the registration, the registrar will implement that ruling. In disputes arising from registrations allegedly made abusively (such as "cybersquatting" and cyberpiracy"), the uniform policy provides an expedited administrative procedure to allow the dispute to be resolved without the cost and delays often encountered in litigation. See the Resolution Policy for more information.

     If I have customer service questions or problems related to my domain name registration, who should I contact? You should contact the particular registrar that registered your domain name.

     What are the rules for registration of .net and .org names? They are the same as for .com. Traditionally, however, names in .net have been used by organizations involved in Internet infrastructure activities and .org is frequently used by not-for-profit organizations.

     Are .com, .net, and .org domain names available for registration on a global basis? Yes. The .com, .net, and .org domains are available for registration by Internet users across the globe.

     I've seen domain names ending with two letter combinations, like .cc and .uk. What are the rules for registering these domains? Two letter domains, such as .cc, .uk, .de, .us and .jp, for example, are called country code top level domains (ccTLDs) and correspond to a country, territory, or other geographic location. The rules and policies for registering domain names in the ccTLDs vary significantly and some are reserved for use only by citizens of the corresponding country. You should check with the registrar offering ccTLD registration services regarding the specific terms and conditions for registration.

     Is the "InterNIC" synonymous with Network Solutions, Inc.? No. The InterNIC is a concept for an integrated network information center that was developed by several companies, including Network Solutions, in cooperation with the U.S. Government. Network Solutions is transitioning from the use of the word "InterNIC" in connection with its products and services. "InterNIC" is a registered service mark of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

     I would like more information on U.S. Government's role in Internet domain name system management. Where should I go? Information regarding the United States Government's efforts to privatize the management of the domain name system and increase competition in domain name registration services is available at http://www.ntia.doc.gov/