For entreprenuers with plans to create a directory under their new .TEL domains – like Nebraska.tel, which we blogged about last week - you should check out Henri Asseily’s recent blog clarifying the rules around subdomain delegation.
The Chief Strategist and CTO of Telnic, Asseily explains “the philosophy behind” .TEL’s Acceptable Use Policy as it pertains to delegation. The basic gist of it is this: .TEL domain registrants are not allowed to sell or provide free sub-delegation to businesses or people outside of the parties outlined in the Acceptable Use Policy ( aka – existing businesses or close family members).
From 4.2, Section B, on Sub-Delegations
The registration and/or use of the Extended Name is free of charge to and is only for the use of subsidiaries, business units or employees of the company or members of the association that is the Domain Name Holder, and is not offered as a service to third parties, or, where the Domain Name Holder is a natural person, the Extended Name is only for the personal use of the Domain Name Holder or the family of the Domain Name Holder, is not offered as a service to third parties, and no fee or other compensation is charged in connection with such sub-delegation.
So how does that impact your plans for directory domination with (for example sake only…) coffeeshop.tel, hairsalons.tel or portland.tel?
You can provide a paid-for directory service on your .TEL domain as long as you retain the rights and responsibilities of the domain and do not sub-delegate.
As explained by Asseily:
Providing a “concierge service” to update contact information is acceptable within the AUP, whether automated through do-it-yourself front-ends, or manual. However, it is assumed that the data published by you is covered by the normal and regional rules and laws for data protection, and you must have the informed consent of the owners of that data (which, as a for-pay service, is the case) unless the data is already freely available from other sources. This would be a legitimate information service that would not be in breach of the AUP.
Now that we’re clear about what’ kosher regarding .TEL sub-domain delegation, let us know if this affects your .TEL plans.
Read More About this Topic
The Rik Notes - .Tel delgation policy: what it means
Telnic’s Acceptable Use Policy