The .ch domain is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Switzerland. It is primarily intended for entities associated with Switzerland, including individuals, businesses, and organizations. The domain serves as a digital representation of Swiss identity and is widely used by local companies, government institutions, and non-profit organizations.
The .ch domain was created in 1987, making it one of the older ccTLDs in existence. The initiative for establishing the .ch domain was driven by the need for a national identity on the internet as Switzerland began to embrace digital communication. The domain is derived from the Latin name for Switzerland, "Confoederatio Helvetica," which reflects the country's multilingual culture.
Today, the .ch domain is managed by SWITCH, a non-profit organization that has been responsible for the administration of the domain since its inception. SWITCH operates under the oversight of the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM), which is a part of the Swiss Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC). This ensures that the domain is managed in accordance with national regulations and international standards.
Registration of .ch domains is open to anyone, with no specific restrictions on citizenship or location. This means that individuals and organizations from around the world can register a .ch domain, provided they comply with the registration process. The procedure for obtaining a .ch domain typically involves:
The .ch domain supports Internationalized Domain Names (IDN), allowing for the use of non-Latin characters. The permissible length for .ch domain names ranges from 1 to 63 characters. The allowed characters include:
Additionally, the .ch domain utilizes a robust DNS infrastructure, ensuring high availability and reliability for registered domains.
Like many other domains, .ch has faced issues related to spam and phishing attempts. However, SWITCH has implemented various security measures to combat these threats. One such measure is the deployment of DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC), which helps to protect against certain types of attacks. Furthermore, there are mechanisms in place for domain name dispute resolution, allowing users to report abusive registrations.
The .ch domain has seen a steady increase in the number of registered domains over the years. As of October 2023, there are over 1.5 million registered .ch domains, reflecting its popularity among Swiss businesses and individuals. The cost of registering a .ch domain typically ranges from CHF 10 to CHF 30 per year, depending on the registrar and any additional services offered. Premium domains are also available, often at a higher price point, reflecting their desirability and potential market value.