The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has finalized the Registry Service Provider (RSP) Evaluation Program Handbook for the New Generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) Program: Next Round. The handbook will now go to the ICANN Board for consideration.
The ICANN organization developed the handbook in collaboration with the Implementation Review Team. A draft of the RSP Evaluation Program Handbook was issued for Public Comment, and a summary report was published 17 May 2024.
The handbook provides an overview of the process and requirements to become an evaluated RSP for new gTLD applicants. RSPs offer critical services – such as DNS, Registration Data Access Protocol, and DNS Security Extensions, among others – on behalf of a registry operator.
The RSP Evaluation Program streamlines the new gTLD application process by separating the assessment of the technical aspects of operating a gTLD from the application for the gTLD label. The evaluation of RSPs is an important part of ICANN's work to ensure the stable and secure expansion of the DNS. All new gTLD applicants are required to use evaluated RSPs.
The RSP evaluation period is expected to be open from November 2024 through May 2025. A list of pre-evaluated RSPs will be provided on the program website in December 2025. Another RSP evaluation period is anticipated to open in April 2026, when the next round of new gTLD applications is expected to open, and close at the same time the new gTLD application period closes.
To learn more about the RSP Evaluation Program, visit the New gTLD Program website.