analysis .ad - Andorra - ccTLD (Country-Code Top-Level Domain)

[Eric Lyon]

The next ccTLD on the list was .ad, however, the initial findings were less than stellar and resulted in stopping the research, before it really even got started.

Here's why...

.ad is the Internet ccTLD for Andorra. It is managed by Andorra Telecom, through domini.ad.[1]

Rules and Restrictions
Any person, entity or company may register a .ad domain.[2] Also, .ad domains can be used for any purpose except those prohibited by the regulations. It is forbidden to use .ad domain names for:

• offering third-level domain name registrations to independent third parties for commercial purposes;
• sending unsolicited commercial advertising that violates relevant legislation or common acceptable use policies of the Internet;
• registering multiple domains solely to establish parking pages with advertisements and/or redirect traffic to other domains;
• distributing malicious software;
• contributing to the operation of botnets or other similar abusive uses;
• engaging in identity theft (phishing).

Using the .ad domain name for trafficking domain names for sale, resale, or transfer, or allowing or contributing to a third party doing so, is also not permitted.

It is prohibited to use the .ad domain name in a manner that could damage or tarnish the name, image, or reputation of Andorra or go against Andorran interests, at the discretion of the Registry Operator. For example, through a .ad domain name, it is not allowed to offer or allow third parties to offer defamatory, violent, offensive, aggressive content, or content that, at the discretion of the Registry Operator, incites violence, is racist or xenophobic in nature, or is otherwise contrary to the law or morality.

Additionally, it is not permitted to register or use .ad domain names that could confuse the public regarding the public administration nature of the domain holder. Impersonation of third parties or infringement of third-party intellectual property rights is also prohibited.[3]

Source
Note: It appears that one may not use a .ad domain (as seen in the bolded sentence above) as a domain portfolio with intent to resell domain names. It may also prohibit the resale of a .ad domain you registered specifically to resell.

Another source confirms:

.AD policies prohibit the reselling of domains.
If an .AD domain name matches a well-known trademark, the registrant must sign a disclaimer and provide a copy of their photo ID.

Source

Conclusion:
Since this is a domain investor/reseller community, it doesn't make much since to dive any deeper into the .ad ccTLD since it prohibits investors from buying them specifically for resale.

We can now mark .ad off the list of potential ccTLD's to put in our portfolios. These are no-bueno folks!