All top level domain names have a single registry and they are
sold by registrars. The registry controls the database of
ownership; the registrar sells names for adding to that database.
The best known registry is VeriSign – which controls .com, .net and
.org domain names. Controversially, it also acts as a registrar. As
.uk registry, Nominet maintains the database of .uk domain name
ownership. However, it is a not-for-profit company and it does not
promote registrar services.
At present, Nominet makes no charge for domain name transfers.
But with around 2,500 transfers taking place per month, its
administrative costs are increasing.
In a statement, Managing Director Lesley Cowley said: "We take a
lot of care to make sure that domain names are not transferred in
error." She added that, "While this process creates additional work
for Nominet, it is essential to preserve the integrity of the
system and the accuracy of the register database."
A Nominet spokeswoman told PC Advisor that they had chosen to
charge a separate fee rather than increasing the blanket charge
that registrars pay for registering names, saying, "We thought this
was a fairer way of doing things, so that the people who use the
service pay for it."
