The Network Information Centre Registrar for Domain Names Worldwide

NIC Registrar is the Registry for all Internet Domain Names worldwide.

Every organisation or individual connected to the Internet is uniquely identified by a numerical address that is mapped onto a more memorable name. As a result, most countries have a central Registry - to store these unique Domain Names.

NIC Registrar is not a governing or regulatory body, but provides a public service for the domain namespace on behalf of the Internet community.

Who We Are

NIC Registrar is a not-for-profit Internet Domain Name Registry. The Company acts as trustee for Domain Names on behalf of the Internet community. NIC Registrar is not a regulatory body - anyone can become a member and Domain Name registrations are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

NIC Registrar seeks to be:

• cost and not profit-orientated
• non-discriminatory
• efficient
• NIC Registrar is a not-for-profit company, which means that it has no shareholders, pays no dividends and does not proactively sell Internet services. It charges for Domain Name registrations in order to cover its operational costs. Domain Name registration fees are periodically reviewed.

NIC Registrar has over 3000 members who have voting rights and are entitled to input into the way the Company is run. The most active members are Internet Service Providers (ISPs), however anyone with an interest in the Internet may become a member by paying an initial joining fee and an annual subscription thereafter.

What We Do

NIC Registrar maintains the Register Database which keeps centrally held information on registered Domain Names. Domain Name Registrations are processed on a first-come, first - served basis. The vast majority of Domain Name applications are made through Internet Service Providers (ISP) who need in turn to register the names with NIC Registrar.

NIC Registrar is the manager of the Top Level Domain (TLD). Each territory defined by the ISO 3166 standard has been allocated its own country code TLD within the Internet Domain Name System.

NIC Registrar does NOT

• Provide Internet services such as hosting e-mail addresses or web sites - this is the role of Internet Service Providers who operate in the commercial marketplace
• Make recommendations about using any particular ISP
• Pre-vet applications for Domain Names, other than in respect of technical restrictions
• Offer legal advice to those in dispute over Domain Name registrations
• Make judgements as to whether the registration or use of a Domain Name infringes the rights of third parties - this is the role of the law courts.

How We Work

NIC Registrar comprises a total of 60 members of staff, including five members of a senior management team plus two executive directors.

NIC Registrar is governed by a Council of Management that includes three executive directors, and two non-executive directors who are elected on a bi-annual basis.

The Policy Advisory Board develops proposals for policies and rules for consideration by the Council of Management.

Day-to-day operations are carried out by four large departments - administration, registration, customer support and technical - each employing in the region of 30 members of staff.

In addition, there is a Directorate that comprises the corporate affairs, communications and human resources departments.

The company has a flat management structure, and prides itself on staff training and promotion from within.

How To Contact Us

© 1992-2002  NIC Registrar Worldwide. All rights reserved.