2 ms·
Ask HN: Status on the .ER TLD?
The .er (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.er) belongs to Eritrea. There are currently no methods of acquiring a .er domain and there appears to be little information involving this TLD since 2000 (most recent detailed information is at http://afridns.org/er/tld_er.txt).
Given the explosion of other tiny TLDs (like .ly), who and how were those conversations started and is it feasible that someone can monetize/open this valuable suffix?
- Dramatize 16y agoI could imagine there would be a huge rush on .er domains if they became available.
- anigbrowl 16y agoFollowing secession from and later war with Ethiopia, Eritrea's existence as a functioning state is nominal at best. It is ranked worst in the world for media freedom (behind even North Korea, which is saying something) and is considered a 'country of particular concern' by the US state department, so sanctions may attach to any companies attempting to conduct business there. Basically it's run by warlords right now, so I don't think there's much chance of getting a domain registry functioning. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Eritrea http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Eritrea - general information http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2854.htm http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2854.htm - we don't have an embassy there, although we do have a diplomatic outpost http://www.shabait.com/contacts/government-contact http://www.shabait.com/contacts/government-contact - this is the nearest thing to an official government website http://www.opic.gov/doing-business/where-we-work/africa http://www.opic.gov/doing-business/where-we-work/africa - there is an OPIC trade agreement with Eritrea, but nothing has happened since 1994. Trade currently requires a license (from the Eritrean government) which carries legal complications of its own. I think it's a case of 'if you have to ask, then the answer is no.' I would look into how domains are run in the surrounding companies and explore the possibility of partnering with an established African firm.