The .tel domain name
.Tel, the new top level domain from Telnic, has apparently had over 100,000 registrations within a few weeks. With 70,000 of those occuring in the first 24 hours.
I was quite intrigued when I first read the announcement of the .tel domain as it works differently from other top level domains. The domain is not used for a website, it is simply used to hold basic information about the person.
Have a look at the video to get a basic understanding of how it works :
In the video the guy gives the girl his number by writing ben.tel on the train window but with 100,000 domains already registered, it’s fair to say that all 3 letter domains and most common first names have been snapped up already. Though for longer tel domain names I’m not sure if I see the point. It’s a handy way of holding ‘business card’ type information about yourself online but I think most people nowadays just swap email addresses or ask the person to ‘find me on facebook’.
If this was launched a few years ago I think it would have taken off but I’m not sure how much this will take off, particularly as registration prices seem to be about 50% higher than coms, nets and most other tlds.
What do you think of the .tel extension, would you register a .tel domain? 
From Zero To SEO | March 31st, 2009 at 6:43 pm #
Thanks for sharing! I didn’t know about .tel. Definitely buy one.
Suzanne Franco | April 1st, 2009 at 1:20 am #
Bummer … I actually would’ve loved to have Suzanne.tel … kinda cool
I missed out … about to get married so not sure which name if I did the whole thing … hmmmm … 
*SmiLes* Suzanne
Meeting rooms | April 3rd, 2009 at 3:09 pm #
Amazing upsell for a new domain. Domain trading is something that can be expensive but choosing the right sets can be the difference. thanks and hopefully will get myself a couple.
LJ | April 7th, 2009 at 8:33 am #
I don’t think .tel domain is useful for individuals.
Domain Appraisal | May 12th, 2009 at 4:21 pm #
I think it was smart of them to go after a different market and to try and separate themselves as something different than other domain extensions.
chris | May 30th, 2009 at 5:33 pm #
Wow.
.tel is easily a success.
just like telephone numbers and email addresses, .tel addresses are the future.
this is a no-brainer for individuals, employers alone will likely require them.
one place to validate and keep updated information, along with one directory to find them, .tel is simply too valuable a business tool to ignore.
couple the common sense efficiency with the device and phone applications … wow.
gasoline cards | June 22nd, 2009 at 5:12 am #
Haha this commercial was just great. I was hoping she would pick the blonde guy anyway. He seemed so much cooler, and he was cuter anyways. LOL at the guy with the cappuccino mustache… obvious loser.
-Randy
Pharmaceuticals Suppliers | June 24th, 2009 at 4:15 pm #
mama mia totally new way of communication. video made cleverly. Dot Tel seems really cool and have g8 cool way of marketing.
sohbet | July 2nd, 2009 at 11:50 am #
hi good thank you master