Information About the .NO Domain Zone

Overview of the .no Domain Zone

The .no domain zone is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Norway. It is primarily intended for entities associated with Norway, including individuals, businesses, and organizations. The .no domain serves as a digital identifier for Norwegian entities, promoting local presence and fostering trust among users.

Historical Context

The .no domain was established in 1987, during the early days of the internet. It was created as part of the global effort to assign country-specific domains to nations around the world. The initiative was led by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), which was responsible for managing the domain in its initial years.

Administration

Today, the .no domain is administered by Norid, a subsidiary of Uninett, which is a Norwegian non-profit organization. Norid is responsible for the registration and management of the .no domain, ensuring compliance with national and international standards. The Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom) oversees the regulatory framework governing the domain.

Registration Policy

Registration of .no domains is open to individuals and organizations that have a connection to Norway. This includes Norwegian citizens, residents, and businesses registered in Norway. There are specific restrictions on registration:

• Applicants must provide a valid Norwegian organization number or a personal identification number.
• Foreign entities can register a .no domain if they have a registered office in Norway.

The procedure for obtaining a .no domain involves the following steps:

1. Choose a domain name that complies with the registration rules.
2. Register with an accredited registrar.
3. Submit the necessary documentation to verify eligibility.
4. Complete the registration process through the registrar's platform.

Technical Parameters

The .no domain zone supports the following technical specifications:

• IDN Support: The .no domain does not support Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs).
• Allowed Length: Domain names can be between 2 and 63 characters long.
• Permitted Characters: Domain names may include letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), and hyphens (-), but cannot start or end with a hyphen.
• DNS Features: The .no domain utilizes a robust DNS infrastructure, ensuring high availability and reliability.

Reputation and Security

The .no domain has maintained a positive reputation, though like many domains, it has faced challenges related to abuse, including spam and phishing attempts. To combat these issues, several security measures have been implemented:

• DNSSEC: The .no domain supports DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC), which helps protect against certain types of attacks.
• Complaint Mechanism: There are processes in place for reporting and addressing domain abuse, allowing for swift action against malicious activities.

Commercial Metrics

The .no domain has seen a steady increase in the number of registered domains over the years. As of October 2023, there are approximately 400,000 registered .no domains. The cost of registration typically ranges from 100 to 200 NOK (Norwegian Krone) per year, depending on the registrar. Additionally, premium domains are available at higher prices, reflecting their market value and demand.

Conclusion

The .no domain zone plays a crucial role in establishing a digital identity for Norwegian entities. With its well-defined registration policies, strong administrative oversight, and commitment to security, the .no domain continues to be a trusted choice for individuals and organizations in Norway.