.tv

.tv

A top-level Internet domain used by organizations that wish to be identified on the Web for television and video services and products. The .tv domain is actually the country code for the Pacific island nation of Tuvalu, which has approximately 12,000 inhabitants. For granting exclusive registration rights to .tv, Tuvalu receives part of the proceeds from registration fees.

Several Tries
The original arrangement with Tuvalu was conceived by Toronto-based Jason Chapnik in the late 1990s; however, within a couple years, the .tv domain passed to Idealab and then VeriSign. Early .tv domains were sold for very high prices; however, VeriSign ultimately lowered them dramatically. Nevertheless, in 2010, domain warehousing company Sedo auctioned more than a hundred .tv domains for a total sum exceeding $700,000. The auction was held in association with VeriSign, which ensured standard renewal rates would apply when the domains expire. For more information, visit www.verisign.tv. See domain warehousing.