The top-level domain (TLD) “.aw” is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) assigned to the nation of Aruba, which is an island kingdom located in the Caribbean Sea, forming part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The assignment of this unique ccTLD identifies web resources, websites, email servers, and other Internet-based services and applications as originating from or related to Aruba.
Technical administration and operation of the “.aw” ccTLD are carried out by the local Aruban organization known as SETAR. SETAR, standing for Servicio di Telecomunicacion di Aruba (in English, Aruban Telecommunication Services), is the principal telecommunications provider in Aruba. As per IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority), SETAR is recognized as the Sponsoring Organization for the .aw domain,and it is responsible for maintaining the technical and administrative aspects of the .aw domain space, including policies for its use and for resolving any disputes that may arise.
The “.aw” domain operates like most ccTLDs. To register a “.aw” domain, one must typically go through an accredited domain registrar, which can be a local organization in Aruba or an international registrar that has obtained the proper authorization from the Sponsoring Organization, in this case, SETAR. There may be specific criteria or restrictions for registering a .aw domain, such as residency requirements or specific intended use.
For example, the second-level domains under .aw include ‘com.aw,’ aimed at commercial entities; ‘net.aw,’ typically used for network infrastructure; and ‘org.aw,’ generally used for non-profit organizations. The registration of these secondary domains follows the same process as registering the .aw TLD.
Securing a country-specific TLD like “.aw” can provide a recognizable brand connection to Aruba and might be beneficial for organizations doing business in that region, targeting the local market, or aiming to increase their credibility among local internet users.
Sources:
1. “Delegation Record for .AW,” IANA. [https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db/aw.html]
2. “SETAR – Servicio di Telecomunicacion di Aruba.” [https://www.setar.aw/]
3. “Domain registrars for .AW,” Retailer Web Services. [https://retailerwebservices.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115008186268-Domain-registrars-for-AW acccessed March 3, 2022]
4. “Aruba (.aw),” CENTR (Council of European National Top-Level Domain Registries) [https://centr.org/domains/aruba-aw.html]
