Verisign, the company that manages the .com domain, recently extended its contract with ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). This six-year deal gives Verisign the authority to continue operating the .com top-level domain. But there’s more to this story than just a contract renewal.
As part of the agreement, Verisign can raise .com domain prices in the last four years of the contract. For now, prices will stay the same in 2025 and 2026 at $10.26 per year. However, starting in 2027, Verisign will be allowed to increase prices by up to 7% annually. This could push the wholesale price of a .com domain to $13.42 by the time the contract ends.
For businesses, bloggers, and others who use .com domains, these price increases could mean higher costs in the future. Even though the initial change seems small, over several years, the increases could significantly affect those who manage multiple domains.
Market reactions
Investors responded positively to this news. Verisign’s stock rose by 5% after the announcement. This indicates confidence that the company will continue to profit from its control over .com domains. If you own or manage .com domains, it might be a good idea to plan ahead. Locking in prices by renewing domains for multiple years before the price hike could save money in the long run. Businesses may also want to consider whether other domain options fit their needs better. By staying informed and planning wisely, domain owners can navigate these changes without too much impact on their budgets.