History of the TLD

The .net domain was launched in January 1985 as one of the first original gTLDs, created primarily for network service providers such as ISPs and infrastructure companies. Over time, it evolved into a widely recognized extension for technical, digital, and general use. Today, it is operated by Verisign.

Main Use & Industry Position

While no longer restricted to networking firms, .net remains popular among tech-driven organizations and startups seeking credibility when a .com domain is unavailable. As of 2024, there are approximately 13 million .net registrations, making it one of the top 5 global TLDs.

Comparison to Other TLDs

Compared to .com, which dominates the market with over 157 million registrations, .net is much smaller but still well-known. It carries more prestige than most new gTLDs and tends to rank close to .org in adoption.

Pros and Cons of the TLD

Pros

• High availability of names compared to .com
  

• Strong credibility in the technology and networking sectors
  

• No registration restrictions
  
  

Cons

• Not as globally recognized as .com
  

• Slightly lower renewal and retention rates compared to legacy leaders
  

• Less relevant for businesses outside of tech if branding is important

Registration Criteria

A .net domain can be registered by anyone without restriction. Originally created for network providers, internet service companies, and infrastructure businesses, it has evolved into a versatile choice for all kinds of websites. Many businesses use .net as an alternative to .com when their preferred name is unavailable, as it still carries professional credibility and global recognition.

Summary

.net is a trusted legacy domain with deep roots in networking and technology, offering strong availability and credibility.