ICANN Opens New gTLD Registry Service Provider Evaluation Program

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Today, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) opened the Registry Service Provider (RSP) Evaluation Program for the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: Next Round. The RSP Evaluation Program was created to streamline the evaluation of gTLD applications by separating the evaluation of the technical aspects of operating the gTLD from the application for the name.

RSPs provide critical back-end services on behalf of the gTLD registry operator. These services include operating Domain Name System (DNS) services, performing the cryptographic operations required of DNS Security Extensions, and providing registration data via the Registration Data Access Protocol, among others. The RSP Evaluation Program ensures that RSPs have the proper technical qualifications to run a gTLD back end. RSPs need only be evaluated once through the program, regardless of the number of services they provide or the number of gTLDs they support.

All gTLD applicants must use RSPs that have been successfully evaluated through the program. In some cases, the RSP may be the same entity as the prospective applicant; in other cases, the gTLD may outsource services to a third party.

There are two distinct periods during which RSPs may be evaluated: 19 November 2024 to 20 May 2025, and again during the New gTLD Program: Next Round application window, which is expected to open in April 2026 for 12-15 weeks. RSPs that choose to be evaluated in this first phase and successfully complete the process will be listed on the RSP Evaluation Program webpage. This timing will allow new gTLD applicants to enter into discussions with evaluated RSPs before the gTLD application window opens in April 2026.

The RSP Evaluation Program, like the New gTLD Program: Next Round, is operated on a cost-recovery basis by those seeking evaluation. This approach involves potentially lowering the final RSP evaluation fee based on the number of applicants received by 20 May 2025, the end of the first evaluation phase. Based on a conservative estimate of how many RSP applications will be received, the evaluation fee is set at a maximum of US$92,000, due at the time of application. ICANN may issue refunds if it receives more applications than were projected.

If you are seeking comprehensive information related to the RSP Evaluation Program, the RSP Handbook along with instructions for accessing the RSP Portal can be found on the program webpage.