How Do I Get Started with My .mobi Domain?
Overview
This article answers common questions to help you get started with your .mobi domain name extension.
What is .mobi?
.mobi is an extension that signifies to users that the website has been designed to be easily viewed by users who access the Internet on their cellular phones or other mobile devices.
Who is Afilias?
Afilias is the registry for the .mobi domain name. A registry is the organization responsible for the administration and maintenance of a domain extension. Network Solutions® accesses Afilias' registry database to register and maintain domain registrations on behalf of our customers. Afilias is supported by various mobile companies, device manufacturers and Internet content providers.
Who can register a .mobi domain?
Anyone can register a .mobi domain, but they must meet the following requirements:
- The .mobi name must be between 3 and 63 characters.
- You can use letters from A to Z and numbers from 0 through 9.
- No spaces or special characters are permitted.
What are the .mobi website standards?
In setting up your .mobi website, you will learn about the website standards and rules.
Because the intent of .mobi is to provide easily viewed content for mobile Internet users, there are some mandatory rules for developing a .mobi website. When registering a .mobi domain, the registrant agrees to follow the .mobi guidelines for website design and creation.
Some of the mandatory rules include:
- No frames should be used in the design of the website.
- Visitors to a .mobi site must be able to view a page that is capable of being displayed in their browser. Website owners must use a format that mobile devices support or use an XHTML-Mobile Profile 1.0 or higher.
- The .mobi site must work with or without the www in the domain name—for example, www.your-website.mobi and your-website.mobi.
What happens if a .mobi website fails to comply with the Afilias mandatory rules?
Afilias audits all .mobi domain websites for compliance with the mandatory rules. The .mobi registrant will be notified and given 60 days’ notice to update their website to meet the compliance rules. If the .mobi website is not made compliant, then Afilias places the domain in a hold status, which means that the domain will not resolve to the Internet.