History of the TLD

.fm is the country code top level domain (ccTLD) assigned to the Federated States of Micronesia. It was delegated to the DNS root zone on April 19 1995 and commercially launched in 1998. It became popular globally due to its association with frequency modulation and broadcasting. The TLD remains the official ccTLD for the Federated States of Micronesia and is widely used for radio, streaming, and podcast branding.

Main Use and Industry Position

Originally intended for entities connected with the Federated States of Micronesia, .fm is now widely used by FM radio stations, internet broadcasters, podcasters, streaming audio services, and multimedia brands. Its recognisability in media and entertainment markets gives it a distinct position compared with other country domains.

Comparison to Other TLDs

Compared with generic TLDs such as .com or .net, .fm offers strong thematic relevance for audio and media sectors. Unlike traditional country code TLDs restricted to local use, .fm has no geographic registration restrictions and is marketed globally. Its media association distinguishes it from other ccTLDs that are not broadly repurposed for industry branding.

Pros and Cons of the TLD

Pros

• Strong brand association with radio, podcasts, and audio media

• Open registration with no residency or presence requirements

• Recognisable and memorable for media and entertainment entities

Cons

• Less universal recognition compared with highly established generic TLDs

• May be perceived as niche outside broadcasting or audio sectors

• Some registrars may charge premium prices for certain names

Registration Criteria

.fm domains can be registered by any individual or organisation worldwide with no residency, citizenship, or local presence requirement. Registrations are typically at second level and available on a first‑come, first‑served basis subject to standard character and length rules.

Summary

.fm is the ccTLD for the Federated States of Micronesia, introduced in 1995 and repurposed for global use, especially in media and audio contexts. It is operated by dotFM under contract with the FSM Telecommunications Corporation and has no geographic or use restrictions, making it accessible to anyone seeking a domain with strong media brand identity.