ICANN selects provider for geographic and reserved names reviews
ICANN has appointed Analysys Mason as the provider for the Geographic Names and Reserved Names Panels for the 2026 New gTLD Program, which will assess applications against specific eligibility and documentation requirements.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has selected Analysys Mason Limited to provide evaluation services for the Geographic Names Panel and Reserved Names Panel in the 2026 New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program.
The Geographic Names Panel will assess whether proposed gTLD strings qualify as geographic names under the criteria set out in ICANN’s Applicant Guidebook. The Reserved Names Panel will determine whether a proposed string falls into a category of names reserved under the programme rules and, where required, check the relevance and authenticity of supporting documentation submitted by applicants.
ICANN selected Analysys Mason through a competitive procurement process launched in February 2026. The organisation said the selection was intended to ensure appropriate technical expertise, quality and value for the evaluations.
Analysys Mason is a technology, media and telecommunications consultancy with more than 400 consultants in 17 offices. It works with governments, investors and companies and has carried out projects in more than 140 countries.
The appointment provides ICANN with an external provider for two specialised parts of the 2026 gTLD application evaluation process. The assessments will be carried out according to the requirements and criteria established in the Applicant Guidebook.
