The .at domain is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Austria. It serves as a digital identifier for entities associated with Austria, including businesses, organizations, and individuals. The .at domain is widely used by Austrian companies and institutions to establish their online presence, promote local services, and connect with the Austrian audience.
The .at domain was created on July 1, 1988. It was established as part of the early development of the internet in Austria, coinciding with the global expansion of domain names. The initiative for the .at domain came from the Austrian government and the University of Vienna, which played a crucial role in the early internet infrastructure in the country.
Today, the .at domain is managed by NIC.AT, the official registry for .at domains. NIC.AT is responsible for the administration, registration, and maintenance of all .at domain names. The organization operates under the oversight of the Austrian regulatory authority, the Austrian Regulatory Authority for Broadcasting and Telecommunications (RTR), which ensures compliance with national and international regulations.
Anyone can register a .at domain, including individuals, businesses, and organizations, regardless of their nationality or location. However, there are specific requirements that must be met during the registration process:
The registration process is straightforward and can be completed through various accredited registrars. Registrants must select a domain name, check its availability, and submit the required information to complete the registration.
The .at domain supports Internationalized Domain Names (IDN), allowing users to register domain names in various languages and scripts. The technical specifications for .at domains include:
Like many ccTLDs, the .at domain has faced challenges related to abuse, including spam and phishing attacks. To combat these issues, NIC.AT has implemented several security measures:
These measures help maintain the integrity and reputation of the .at domain space.
The .at domain has seen a steady increase in registrations over the years, reflecting the growing digital presence of Austrian entities. As of October 2023, there are approximately 1.5 million registered .at domains.
| Year | Registered Domains |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 1,350,000 |
| 2019 | 1,400,000 |
| 2020 | 1,450,000 |
| 2021 | 1,480,000 |
| 2022 | 1,500,000 |
The cost of registering a .at domain typically ranges from €10 to €30 per year, depending on the registrar and any additional services offered. Premium domains may be available at higher prices, reflecting their market value and demand.
The .at domain zone plays a vital role in Austria's digital landscape, providing a platform for local businesses and organizations to establish their online identity. With its robust administration, security measures, and accessible registration policies, the .at domain continues to grow in popularity and significance.