Telnic the registry
operator of the new .tel top level domain, today begins accepting applications
for trademarks from businesses and organizations worldwide. From today until
February 2nd, trademark owners can register .tel domains for their brands and
company names, providing them with a ‘live’ comprehensive listing in the first
global, mobile-optimized online directory.

Commenting on the commencement on the Sunrise period, Khashayar Mahdavi,
CEO of Telnic said:

“The launch of .tel represents the most significant innovation in the
domain name system since the advent of .com. Essentially, the .tel offers
businesses of all sizes a fast, efficient, adaptable and intelligent service
that will let customers interact with them in any way they want. Anyone that
wants to communicate better with their customers should purchase a .tel.”

Trademark holders can register a .tel domain through a network of
ICANN-accredited registrars on a first-come, first-served basis over 29
countries worldwide in all major territories. Over 120 registrars worldwide
spanning 29 countries have already signed up to work with Telnic and new
registrars are becoming active on a daily basis.

Amongst Sunrise registrars, expectations for .tel are positive. Nick
Wood, Managing Director of UK registrar Com Laude said:

“Telnic has embarked on this Sunrise period to give brand owners around
the world the opportunity to secure their .tel domain ahead of the general
public. .tel is very innovative and offers brand owners a new way of
communicating with customers and we hope that companies take advantage of this
opportunity to register their domain. Based on the level of interest we’re
already seeing, we believe .tel is going to be very popular with brand
owners.”

Telnic is working closely with NeuStar and validation agent Deloitte
within this two-month Sunrise period.