- Spotlight: ICANN’s New gTLD Program – Round Two
Ongoing domain launches
| Extension and Phases | Start Date | Order Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| .PAY (gTLD) | ||
| Sunrise*** | 13-Apr-2026 | 16-Jul-2026 |
Upcoming domain launches
| Extension and Phases | Start Date | Order Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| .DOT (gTLD) | ||
| Sunrise*** | 21-Jul-2026 | 15-Oct-2026 |
| EAP*** | 20-Oct-2026 | 1-Nov-2026 |
| General Availability*** | 2-Nov-2026 | |
Launch Notes
. PAY (gTLD): Unrestricted extension. This new gTLD is intended for payment service providers, fintech companies, and e-commerce platforms prioritizing secure, efficient, and trustworthy transactions. The .PAY Sunrise Phase has been extended to 20-Jul-2026, from its original end date of 13-May-2026.
.DOT (gTLD): This new is intended for software developers, builders, indie devs, and technical brands. .DOT Sunrise phase has been announced to start on 21st July 2026. More information coming soon.
Spotlight
ICANN’s New gTLD Program – Round Two
2026 will see ICANN accept applications for .BRAND TLDs once more, when it opens the second round of its New gTLD Program in April. Owning a .BRAND TLD has multiple benefits, including:
- A secure online presence totally free from infringement concern
- The opportunity to build your own infrastructure in a secure environment
- Complete control of your domain space
- Unlimited availability with what’s left of the dot – never fight or bid for generic words, product names, taglines, or other monikers in domain registrations
Find out more about .BRAND ownership, and how CSC can be your trusted .BRAND partner.
.Music Premium name release
The .MUSIC registry will be updating their premium and reserved lists on July 1, 2026. As part of this update, the registry will be adding more than 120,000 previously reserved names to the premium list, including some 3 and 4-character strings, generic music terms, and formerly protected artist names. Please contact your Customer Service Team if you would like to review names being released for registration.
Glossary
- ***: This phase of domain registration is first-come-first-served, where the first person or entity to register an available domain name becomes the rightful owner.
- Phases
- General Availability: Domain registration is available to public.
- Sunrise: Domain registration is restricted to trademark holders before public access.
- Landrush/ Early Access/ Limited Registration: Periods typically between Sunrise and General Availability phases that allow pre-registrations at a premium.
