The moment the internet infrastructure world has been waiting for is finally here. ICANN has officially released the timeline for the “Next Round” of the New gTLD Program.
For the first time since 2012, the window is opening for organizations to apply for their own Top-Level Domains (e.g., .brand, .city, .tech). However, while the release of these dates provides clarity, it should not provide a sense of relaxation. These dates are the finish line for your preparation, not the starting line.
Here is the schedule and why TLDTR advises immediate action.
📅 The Official Application Timeline
According to the newly released schedule by ICANN:
- Application Window Opens: April 30, 2026
- Application Window Closes: August 12, 2026
At first glance, this might look like you have plenty of time. But as an experienced Registry Service Provider (RSP), we can tell you with certainty: If you start preparing in 2026, you are already behind.
🚨 Why You Cannot Wait Until April 2026
Applying for a New gTLD is not like registering a standard domain name on your favourite domain registrar. It is a massive infrastructure project involving international policy compliance, technical stress tests, and financial vetting.
Here is why you need to engage TLDTR and start your internal processes today:
1. The RSP Selection & Testing Phase
ICANN requires every applicant to demonstrate a flawless technical backend. You cannot simply build this yourself overnight.
- The TLDTR Advantage: As your RSP, we handle the technical “heavy lifting.” However, integrating our technical specifications into your application answers (specifically questions Q22-Q44) takes time. Furthermore, ICANN is emphasizing RSP Pre-Evaluation in this round. By partnering with us now, we secure the technical credentials so you can focus on your business case.
2. Corporate Governance & Budget Approvals
A gTLD application requires significant capital (application fees, consultancy fees, and legal reserves). Getting board approval for these budgets often takes large organizations 3 to 6 months alone. You need to have your “Notice of Intent” ready long before the window opens to secure your funding.
3. Intellectual Property & String Contention
Is your desired extension (.string) actually available? Is another global giant planning to apply for the same word?
- Waiting until the window opens increases the risk of “String Contention” (bidding wars). We need to conduct preliminary risk assessments and Trademark Clearinghouse checks now to ensure your string is viable.
4. The “Applicant Guidebook” (AGB) is Complex
The AGB is the constitution of this program. It contains hundreds of pages of rigid rules. A hurried application is a rejected application. We need this time to craft a narrative that proves your eligibility and financial stability to ICANN evaluators.
🚀 The TLDTR Promise: We Navigate, You Own
The New gTLD program is a rare opportunity to secure a piece of digital real estate that will last forever. Don’t let paperwork or technical hurdles cause you to miss the window.
TLDTR is ready to be your technical backbone. We ensure that when April 30, 2026, arrives, you aren’t scrambling to fill out forms—you are simply hitting “Submit” on a winning strategy.
The clock is ticking.