The top-level domain (TTD) “.mobile” does not currently exist in the domain name system of the internet. Top-Level Domains (TLDs) are the letters found at the end of an Internet address and they fall into two categories: Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) and Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs).
There are several organizations globally responsible for allocating and managing these domains. The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), the body responsible for the global coordination of the DNS Root, IP addressing, and other internet protocol resources, has not listed “.mobile” as a TLD. The list of valid TLDs can be found on their website. Their responsibilities also include overseeing the approval process for new TLD applications (Source: IANA).
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), another leading authority in this field, has not approved “.mobile” as a gTLD either. The organization maintains an updated list of all current gTLDs, which can be found on their site. The closest TLD that exists currently is “.mobi” which was designed for websites catering to mobile devices (Source: ICANN).
However, it is important to note the landscape of TLDs is always in flux. As the use of the internet expands, new TLD names are being created. Anyone can apply for a new TLD through the New Generic Top-level Domain (gTLD) Program implemented by ICANN. In fact, the recent years have seen other digital-industry-linked TLDs such as “.app” and “.tech” come into existence.
Therefore, it’s not impossible that a “.mobile” TLD could exist in the future. Nevertheless, anyone interested in applying for such a new TLD would have to go through a very comprehensive application process which involves several review stages, including a 30-day public comment period. Applicants must also demonstrate a legitimate claim to the name and show that they have the capability to manage the TLD responsibly (Source: ICANN).
In conclusion, while “.mobile” could theoretically be a TLD in the future, as of now, it does not exist. It’s important to keep in mind that creating a new TLD is a significant process. As we continue to advance in the digital age, the landscape of TLDs is likely to keep evolving with the demand and the emergence of new technological and digital aspects.
Sources:
- IANA, the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority; https://www.iana.org/
- ICANN, Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers; https://www.icann.org/
- New Generic Top-level Domain (gTLD) Program, ICANN; https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/program-status/application-results
- “.mobi” TLD; https://data.iana.org/TLD/tlds-alpha-by-domain.txt
