DotAsia announced today the launch of the .Asia Pioneer Domains Program.

[Sameh]

DotAsia, the registry operator of the “.Asia” Internet domain, announced today the launch of the .Asia Pioneer Domains Program, offering businesses and entrepreneurs the ultimate first-mover advantage for e-commerce in Asia. DotAsia is the first global “top-level domain” (TLD) headquartered in Asia, and the Pioneer Domains Program marks the first time ever a domain registry is opening its doors for domains based on the quality of proposals received for any domain name of choice.


Edmon Chung (left photo), CEO at DotAsia explains, “The .Asia Pioneer Domains Program opens a new frontier on the Internet for the region, and marks an important milestone in the emergence of Asia as a global leader in digital marketing. We believe that this is a golden opportunity for entrepreneurs and businesses to acquire prime cyber real estate in Asia and for businesses to get on the fast track for attracting the world’s largest and fastest-growing market.”

Vint Cerf (right photo), father of the Internet and Chairman of ICANN comments, “DotAsia has worked hard to bring its .Asia top level domain name into operation. They have been careful to keep interested parties informed and to think through the ‘landrush’ period. The Pioneer Domains Program will be a useful benchmark for other new TLD operators to take into account.”
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Complete article

.Asia Pioneer Domains Program

Prospective Pioneer Domains List

 

[chaitanyagoa]

where??????????

where can we buy.asia domains ?

 

[Sameh]

where can we buy.asia domains ?

I found this registrar : http://www.asiaregistry.com

But it looks like still in "Pre-reg" mode.

 

[AzN]

Very interesting, they require a $10k deposit to propose a name.

I found this registrar : http://www.asiaregistry.com

But it looks like still in "Pre-reg" mode.

Alot of people have complained about being scammed with them. I would watch out.

 

[nrmillions]

All the asian countries have their own ccTLD and all speak different languages. Who is going to use .asia? Its like coming out with a .northamerica.

 

[Sameh]

like who are using .eu while .co.uk , .de , .fr , etc... are there ..

 

[Alex]

.eu is a bit different as there is a political entity, the european Union (EU). with .asia things are not the same.

Anyway I predict there will be also a hype with .asia.

Alex

 

[chaitanyagoa]

yah i think all u guys r right about .Asia

i dont think it will succeed as it is being anticipated

wat is the cost of the domains i mean .asia domains?

 

[Sameh]

yah i think all u guys r right about .Asia

i dont think it will succeed as it is being anticipated

I think .asia will succeed .. why not ?!

Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent. It covers 8.6% of the Earth's total surface area (or 29.4% of its land area) and, with almost 4 billion people, it contains more than 60% of the world's current human population.

Internet Usage in Asia : 418,007,015 users .. 36.2% Usage
of World .. 265.7% Use Growth ( 2000-2007 )

Stats source

 

[sashas]

I've already got a list of names that I'll try and reg as soon as the reg window opens

 

[chaitanyagoa]

hey Sahas wen r the registrations gonna start...

 

[Alex]

If anybody else will want that domain, it will go to an auction as far as I know. So it will not be a regular landrush. I a sure there will be many queries for the premium names, and they will go for the ones with deep pockets.

I've already got a list of names that I'll try and reg as soon as the reg window opens

As to the registrations, the sunrise will start in October and will last till January 15th.

 

[scoops22]

How much will regular registrations be?

Alex ,I think your little bear just give me the finger ,tell him I said :loveyou:

 

[pixelbugnyc]

is there an official date for the start of first round registration?

UPDATE: just read it starts on October 9th!

 

[Psych101]

I am reluctant to invest much!

I read several good points above, thx. I was under the impression that nobody from the Americas or Europe could buy one initially without some kind of an affiliation in Asia? Can anyone explain this? Would my drivers Asian address and my credit card work? I certainly won't invest much in the name, but I might buy a few premium domain names if they are at reasonable reg fees. Growing on the internet or not, Asians have very little extra money to spend as a rule (other than Japan, and South Korea). Look at the dot CN which pays virtually nothing for ppcs and is banned at many parking places! I see very little future in it for domainers. I've been to most Asian countries and most people use internet cafes. It is not wise using credit cards to buy anything via an internet cafe! Or paypal for that matter and Paypal is not in many Asian countries as of yet? Not to mention most Asians don't have a credit card!!!
I seen above a 10k deposit is needed for an offer. I would not put a 10k deposit down on any name except for perhaps Sex. Asia. Dot AA for Asia would have been better IMHO as most will be using Mobi phones.

 

[labrocca]

Great..are we gonna have a special .asia forums too complete with detractors?

 

[jmcc]

Great..are we gonna have a special .asia forums too complete with detractors?

As if people don't have enough to do. I wonder if .asia will be another disaster zone like .eu? Less than 16% of .eu domains registered have actively developed websites.

Regards...jmcc

 

[EGS]

These TLDs are pointless!

 

[DNWizardX9]

well we all know what happened to .eu

it tanked

 

[danieloffice]

well we all know what happened to .eu

it tanked

Is that true? why?