I cannot provide a list of five mandatory backend registry providers for the ICANN new gTLD program.
Here's why:
- No Mandatory Providers: ICANN does not mandate the use of specific backend registry providers. Applicants for new gTLDs have the flexibility to choose a provider that meets ICANN's technical and operational requirements. They can even operate the backend themselves if they have the necessary capabilities.
- Registry Service Provider (RSP) Evaluation Program: ICANN has introduced a Registry Service Provider (RSP) Evaluation Program for the upcoming round of new gTLD applications (expected to open in April 2026). This program evaluates RSPs to ensure they meet the required technical qualifications to operate a gTLD backend.
- Requirement to Use Evaluated RSPs: All new gTLD applicants will be required to use RSPs that have been successfully evaluated through this program. This doesn't mean specific providers are mandatory, but rather that the provider chosen must have gone through and passed ICANN's evaluation process.
- List of Evaluated RSPs: ICANN will publish a list of pre-evaluated RSPs. Applicants will need to select their backend provider from this list. The first evaluation period for RSPs is currently underway, from November 2024 to May 2025, with a list of evaluated RSPs expected in December 2025.
In summary, instead of a list of five mandatory providers, the ICANN new gTLD program requires applicants to use a backend registry service provider that has been evaluated and approved through their RSP Evaluation Program. You will need to consult the list of evaluated RSPs that ICANN will publish to see the available options.
General Information about Backend Registry Providers:
A backend registry provider offers the technical infrastructure and services necessary to operate a top-level domain (TLD). These services include:
- Operating the domain name system (DNS) infrastructure to ensure that domain names resolve to the correct IP addresses.
- Maintaining the registry database which contains information about registered domain names and their owners.
- Providing the Extensible Provisioning Protocol (EPP) for registrars to interact with the registry system for domain name registration and management.
- Operating the Registry Data Access Protocol (RDAP) which allows the public to query registration data.
- Undertaking the cryptographic operations for DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) to enhance the security of the DNS.
- Providing data escrow services to ensure the continuity of the TLD in case of registry failure.
Choosing a reliable and experienced backend registry provider is crucial for the successful operation of a new gTLD. The ICANN RSP Evaluation Program aims to streamline this process by ensuring that the providers meet the necessary standards.