ICANN opens second evaluation round for domain infrastructure providers ahead of 2026 expansion
ICANN has announced a new application window for companies that operate the technical backbone of domain names, as part of preparations for the next expansion of internet addresses.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has opened a second application period for companies seeking to provide the technical infrastructure for new internet domain names.
This process is part of the upcoming New gTLD Program 2026 round. A ‘gTLD’ is the ending of a website address, such as ‘.com” or “.org’. ICANN is preparing to allow many new domain endings, and this requires companies that can run the technical systems behind them.
These companies are called Registry Service Providers (RSPs). Their role is not visible to most internet users, but it is essential. They operate the systems that make domain names work, including translating website names into IP addresses, securing those systems, and managing registration data.
To simplify the overall process, ICANN evaluates these technical providers separately from organisations applying for new domain names. Instead of each applicant proving their technical capacity individually, they can rely on an already approved provider.
The evaluation checks whether these providers have the necessary technical capabilities. This includes running core internet systems such as the Domain Name System, ensuring security through encryption, and maintaining reliable access to domain registration data.
Once a provider passes this evaluation, it does not need to repeat the process for each new domain it supports. Applicants for new domain names must choose at least one approved provider to handle these technical operations.
The second application window for providers will run from 30 April to 12 August 2026. It coincides with the broader application process for new domain names.
In practical terms, this step is about ensuring that the infrastructure behind future internet domains is stable and secure before new names are introduced.
