Information About the .PT Domain Zone

Overview of the .pt Domain Zone

The .pt domain zone is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Portugal. It is primarily intended for entities associated with Portugal, including individuals, businesses, and organizations. The domain serves to promote the Portuguese internet presence and is utilized by a wide range of sectors, from local businesses to educational institutions.

Historical Context

The .pt domain was established in 1988, making it one of the earlier ccTLDs created. The initiative to create the .pt domain was led by the University of Lisbon, specifically by the Institute of Telecommunications. The domain was introduced to facilitate the growing need for an online identity for Portuguese entities as the internet began to expand globally.

Administration

Today, the .pt domain is managed by DNS.PT, a non-profit organization that operates under the auspices of the Portuguese government. DNS.PT is responsible for the registration and administration of the .pt domain, ensuring compliance with national and international regulations. The organization works in conjunction with the National Communications Authority (ANACOM), which oversees telecommunications and internet services in Portugal.

Registration Policy

Registration of .pt domains is open to a variety of applicants, including individuals, businesses, and organizations. However, there are specific requirements:

• Applicants must have a presence in Portugal, either through residency or a registered business.
• There are no restrictions on citizenship; however, foreign entities must provide a local administrative contact.

The procedure for obtaining a .pt domain involves:

1. Selecting a domain name that meets the criteria.
2. Choosing an accredited registrar.
3. Completing the registration form and providing necessary documentation.
4. Paying the registration fee.

Technical Parameters

The .pt domain zone supports Internationalized Domain Names (IDN), allowing for the use of Portuguese characters. The technical specifications include:

• Domain names can be between 2 and 63 characters long.
• Allowed characters include letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), and hyphens (-), but cannot start or end with a hyphen.
• DNS servers for .pt domains must comply with standard DNS protocols and can be managed by the registrar or the domain owner.

Reputation and Security

Like many domain zones, .pt has faced challenges related to abuse, including spam and phishing attacks. However, measures have been implemented to enhance security:

• DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) is supported to protect against certain types of attacks.
• There are mechanisms for reporting and addressing abusive domains, including a process for domain suspension based on complaints.

Commercial Indicators

The .pt domain has seen steady growth in registrations over the years. As of October 2023, there are approximately 1.2 million registered .pt domains, reflecting the domain's popularity among Portuguese entities.

The cost of registering a .pt 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 desirability and market demand.

Conclusion

The .pt domain zone plays a vital role in establishing an online presence for individuals and organizations in Portugal. With its robust administrative framework, security measures, and growing registration numbers, .pt continues to be a significant asset for the Portuguese internet community.