Domains are nothing but the address of a website on the internet. In essence, it points to an IP address that looks something like – 209.58.614.191 for instance. When choosing a domain name, it is a good idea to keep this in mind. You may need to configure the domain when mapping to a computer or network drive.
In order to do this, the provider needs to put the domain on a name server and this is a cost that needs infrastructure. So, in short, forget .IN domains but no domains can be for free and especially and particularly for a lifetime.
With this article, we will deep dive into why domains like .IN is never for free or even for a lifetime and why do providers make such claims.
Is the free domain claim true?
Whenever someone offers a “free” domain, there is always a problem.
Domain registration costs money. ICANN organizes great pricing, so there is no way they will give you a “free” domain.
So, if one offers a “free” domain, one still has to buy another, which is usually recommended, which is often cheaper (and always cheaper) than registering the domain. and benefits are possible. The fees are regulated by ICANN. Domains can be registered under Top Level Domains (GTLDs) with more than 2,000 ICANN registrars certified or their representatives. The registrar is approved by ICANN and the registrar is approved for the sale of the domain name. Registration Certification Agreement (RAA) is linked to ICANN and the Registry Agreement.
The price of the domain depends on the price of the next thing you buy. Almost always it is best to buy a domain registration and then look for money right away and other things you need.
There are three main reasons why domains are not for free:
- When a domain is free, people register their unwanted domains and keep them forever. Doman squatters will try to include all the good names and then sell them at a great profit.
- The current idea is that each domain should have the latest contact information for the registrar (although it is possible to hide it from the public). There are administration fees involved.
- For this to work, the domain requires DNS infrastructure. Part of the domain registration fee supports this.
Why do providers make such claims?
In most cases, providers want to attract consumers into buying a free domain to upsell other products like web hosting or to resell other surpluses. It is just a marketing gimmick.
Most importantly, they want consumers to try the domain with their preferred domain names but later after a year, they charge them. The fees are also not clear or hidden rather and this creates conflicts. So please be aware and ask your provider about the charges and fees in advance before buying.
You need to ensure that before buying a domain name from your provider, you ask them if-
- They provide you security for the domain name like an SSL certificate.
- They offer transparency when it comes to renewal rates, order cancellation fees, late charges, or even domain transfer charges if any.
- Ask for privacy protection when it comes to data. Beware of providers who charge a premium for making changes in WHOIS or RDAPdirectories.
- Ask for upfront pricing, that is the best policy.
Conclusion
With this article, we believe you have now understood why not just .IN but any other domain or domain name never comes for free. Domains are an essential part of internet infrastructure which have a huge cost component involved and are under the purview of ICANN, the biggest internet body in the world when it comes to pricing and distribution. So, in a nutshell, domains and domain names have pricing which is affordable. So choose a domain name wisely because your business will be depending on the same to some extent.
You can read up on what you can avoid while registering a domain name here. Hope you have enjoyed reading this article. For feedback or comments, please share the same in the section below.