Registration of domain names under '.mx' reopened

The Network Information Centre Mexico (NIC Mexico), the registry responsible for the '.mx' country-code top-level domain, has reopened the registration of domain names directly under '.mx'.

In February 2009 NIC Mexico announced that the reopening would take place in three phases:

• Pre-registration period - the owners of '.com.mx', '.net.mx', '.org.mx', '.edu.mx' and '.gob.mx' domain names that were validly registered before March 1 2009 will be able to apply for the registration of the corresponding domain name under the '.mx' extension. The pre-registration period will end on July 31 2009.
• 'Quiet' period - NIC Mexico will stop accepting applications during this period. Applications which have been filed during the pre-registration period and are still pending will be processed. All domain names assigned during the pre-registration period will become active at the end of the 'quiet' period. This period will last for only one month (from August 1 to 31 2009).
• Initial registration period - during this period, any entity will be able to register a domain name directly under '.mx'. Domain names will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. If a domain name is available when an application is received, it will be registered immediately. The initial registration period will last from September 1 to October 31 2009. 

Registration will be valid for a period of one year only.

In addition, NIC Mexico has announced the launch of Registry '.mx'. The reopening of registrations under '.mx' is to be welcomed, as it complies with international standards for the registration of domain names. Moreover, companies will have the possibility to register simpler, more attractive domain names.

Roberto Arochi, Arochi Marroquín & Lindner SC, Mexico City