ICANN has confirmed that it is ready for the launch of new generic top-level domain names (gTLDs). It will begin receiving applications for new gTLDs from 12 January 2012, as was envisaged when ICANN's board approved the plans for the launch in June 2011 (see Legal update, ICANN board votes to launch new generic top-level domain names in 2012). Applicants will be able to self-select their domain names, which could dramatically increase the number of gTLDs from the current 22 available. It will cost $185,000 (£114,000) to apply for the suffixes and applicants will need to meet high technical standards and show a legitimate claim to the domain. ICANN published the final version of its guidebook for applicants for new gTLDs in September 2011 (see Legal update, ICANN publishes guidebook for new gTLD applicants and launches related initiatives). Applications for new gTLDs will be accepted until 12 April 2012. For more information see, Article, Generic Top-level Domain (gTLD) Expansion.

Source: ICANN announcement, 6 January 2012.