a) What is a Domain Name?

A domain name is a global unique identifier which facilitates the worldwide reach towards a local Internet resource. In other words, it is your postal address in the cyber world! By using this address, you are only a few clicks away – anytime, any location

b) How domain name is used, any example?

For example, example.com.bn is an illustrative domain name for commercial purposes registered within Brunei Darussalam. Once this domain name is registered, all permitted online resources for example.com.bn may be accessed on “anytime, any location” basis by means of Internet. Thus, reach becomes global as well as local through internet-enabled computers, phones, PDAs etc.

By making use of abc.com.bn, the Registrant Company (say) ABC, their business affiliates and customers may communicate and interact in many different ways.

The usual options are through website such as www.example.com.bn, communication through business e-mail such as contact@example.com.bn, undertaking database collection (using online forms), reflecting live information (via electronic dashboards) and so on. The use of the same domain name may be tailored as per actual requirements.

c) Is there any alternative to Domain Name?

If such an identifier is not available to the local internet resource, the only alternative for the world is to memorise the relevant IP addresses (minimum 16 numeric-lengths) as available to you. This way, it proves to be less comfortable and efficient. Hence, Domain Name is universally used for round the clock business connectivity in the real world.

d) Is there any other benefit also?

Apart from addressing facility, the other potential benefits include:

authentic and reliable Online recognition which social media sites may not provide. Online branding definitely requires a domain name

domain name is searchable through Internet search engines

one-stop platform for faster information delivery and interactivity 24 by 7 while retaining full flexibility and ownership of resources throughout

e) Any tips for making choice of domain name?

You may consider the following tips:

keep it short preferably easy to inform and remember

should reflect your identity such as organisation’s name, brand, nature of activity etc.

avoid use of Official names, Brand names, Trademarks, and any such expression that may cause confusion to others

f) How to obtain a domain name? What are the costs?

The domain name relevant to your purpose may be obtained through registration of applied domain name in your favour. This facility is made available in Brunei Darussalam by BNNIC for registration of domain names ending with .bn

Each registration is valid for a certain period which could be applied for renewal. The overall registration cost remains very nominal. On a daily basis, it comes out to be a few cents – equivalent to cost of a phone call!

Once registration is complete, BNNIC shall make provisions for connecting the particular domain name to the rest of the Internet community. Please note domain name registration does not mean any other Government approval such as Trademark Registration etc.

The premium domain names may have significant acquisition costs as these may remain in demand. The Registration costs shall remain the same.

g) What is the role of BNNIC?

Authority of Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI, www.aiti.gov.bn) has authorised Brunei Darussalam National Information Centre (BNNIC) on exclusive basis to administer the National Registry for .bn domain names and manage the allocation of domain names through accredited or appointed Registrars only.

BNNIC aims to provide reliable, cost-effective and quick services to all customers. This is one more step towards Smart Society.

a) What are key steps for Registration?

In order to start the fresh Registration, please

identify relevant sub-domain as per eligibility criteria

leave aside non-permitted and reserved domain name(s)

check availability of the desired domain name(s) through WHOIS search facility on www.bnnic.bn

take note of the available name(s) close to the desired name(s), contact any of the Accredited Registrars to submit the application

The successful application shall be acknowledged by the Registrar with Registration of domain name at BNNIC’s (Registry) level for the known duration

For all related services and obtain necessary assistance, the first point of contact shall be the concerned Registrar

     Please see relevant section for renewal process. 

b) Who are eligible Registrants?

The Registration process is declared open with in effect for fresh registrations or renewals in case of bonafide local residents only. Standard documentary requirements shall apply.

BNNIC may allow Registration applications on behalf of the international non-residents later at its own discretion.

The eligibility shall also be governed through the nature of activities or purpose. The following sub-domains are currently open for registration:

.com.bn for companies and business

.net.bn for network providers

.edu.bn for educational institutions

.org.bn for non-profit organisations

.gov.bn for use on behalf of Government of Brunei Darussalam

A typical .bn domain name may be in the form <domain name>.<type>.bn ; for example, example.com.bn

c) What domain names are permitted?

The following key points may be noted

Only appropriate combinations of roman alphabets (a to z, no case sensitive) and numerals (0 to 9) are currently acceptable.

The hyphen (-) could also be used provided it does not appear at first, second, third or fourth position

Each such combination may not exceed 63 characters (excluding count of .bn characters)

d) Are there any non-permitted/ Reserved domain names ?

The following key points may be noted

Any expressions resembling words such as "Brunei", "Brunei Government" or "Sultan" or indicative of such Official or Royal names.

Any expression resembling the name of sovereign country or territory

Any expression containing technical expressions such as “bnnic”, “nic”, “www”, “http”, “https”, “http-www”, generic top-level domains (gTLDs ) suffixes such as .com; .info etc.

Any expression which is obscene, scandalous, indecent, contrary to law or morality;

Any expression containing words that are religiously-sensitive, contrary to public interest or order, national harmony or any other social objectives

BNNIC shall make the final decisions in any doubtful cases as per Registration Policies, Procedures and Guidelines (RPPG) 

e) Any other Reserved domain names (premium domain names)?

The following key points may be noted

The premium domain names remain reserved on temporary basis and hence, may be available for Registration at appropriate times.

It includes second level domain names such as example.bn

It also includes single letter or numeric domain names such as b.net.bn ; 1.com.bn

f) How to check availability of the desired Domain Name(s)?

WHOIS search with BNNIC’s database may help

Once you have desired domain name(s), the availability check may be performed by using WHOIS search prior to submission of application.

WHOIS search  indicates the current status of availability of domain names ending with .bn

WHOIS search also provides the near alternatives

Please mention the chosen domain name(s) while submitting the application to the Accredited or Appointed Registrar.

g) Who are Accredited or Appointed Registrar(s)?

The following key points may be noted

All Registrations for domain names shall be normally through applications to the Accredited Registrars with one exception.

Accredited Registrars

The registration of domain names meant for Government use shall be performed exclusively through the Appointed Registrar i.e. e-Government National Centre (EGNC) for Brunei Darussalam.

Appointed Registrar

BNNIC makes no distinction amongst the Accredited Registrars and encourages Registrants to make informed choices

A Registrant, at her own discretion, may choose domain name Registration service on a la carte (one single service) basis or combine it other hosting services. Such services generally include web hosting, e-mail hosting, data storage etc. However, BNNIC prescribes no particular commercial offerings.

h) Is there any priority for Registration?

The following key points may be noted

BNNIC shall register the applied names which remain available on first come, first serve basis in strict accordance with the receipt at BNNIC - physical or electronic

Any application withdrawn or rejected at the Registrar’s level shall have no consequent effect on BNNIC decisions for other acceptable applications.

The priority criteria for allocation of premium domain names shall be declared at appropriate times. The Registration could be applied later.

There shall be three possible scenario’s as per transfer request made by the Registrant(s):

Change only at Registrants’ level

Change only at Registrar’s level

Concurrent changes at Registrants’ and Registrars’ level

     All such requests shall be subject to the relevant policy documents as published by BNNIC. The request for any bulk or frequent transfers may invite BNNIC’s attention and consequent discretion.

Change only at Registrants’ level (assuming common Registrar)

Applies when registered domain name is transferred from one Registrant to other through a common Registrar:

The ‘recipient’ Registrant (transferee) shall seek consent from ‘donor’ Registrant (transferor) and obtain password to the related domain name

The ‘recipient’ Registrant shall approach the concerned Registrar with the transfer application

The Registrar shall acknowledge the application from the ‘recipient’ and also inform the ‘donor’ by e-mail

The ‘donor’ shall have seven (07) days either to confirm or reject the requested transfer

In the event of no response available after seven (07) days period, the Registrar shall proceed with the request

The concerned Registrar shall effect requested changes as permissible within ___ days without charging any transfer fees

The date of transfer of ownership and Expiry Date as per records shall be notified by the Registrar to the ‘recipient’

BNNIC shall not charge any payment specific to transfer

Change only at Registrar’s level (assuming more than one Registrar)

Applies when registered domain name undergoes transfer on-request from one Registrar to the other

The Registrant shall approach ‘donor’ Registrar (s) to seek password for the domain name

The concerned Registrar shall provide the required information within next three (03) working days

The Registrant shall next approach the ‘recipient’ Registrar (transferee) for further submission to BNNIC

BNNIC shall initiate communications with ‘donor’ and ‘recipient’ Registrars with transfer marked as ‘pending’

The requested transfer shall complete if it is confirmed by ‘donor’ Registrant or if no response is received within seven (07) days since BNNIC’s communications

Alternatively, any rejection shall state the grounds subject to final decision by BNNIC

The date of transfer of Registrar and Expiry Date as per records shall be notified by the ‘recipient’ Registrar to the Registrant

The donor Registrar shall not charge any transfer fees without BNNIC’s approval

BNNIC shall not charge any payment specific to transfer

Concurrent changes at Registrants’ and Registrars’ level

The ‘recipient’ Registrant (transferee) shall seek consent from ‘donor’ Registrant (transferor) and obtain the password

The ‘recipient’ Registrant shall submit the transfer application to her own Registrar (recipient’s Registrar) with appropriate details

The recipient-Registrar shall acknowledge the application and inform the donor’s Registrar and BNNIC by e-mail

BNNIC shall mark the domain name as ‘pending-transfer’

The donor’s Registrar’ shall forward the information to the ‘donor’ for response to be provided within seven (07) days

If confirmed or no response is available after seven (07) day period, the donor’s Registrar shall inform recipient’s Registrar accordingly.

Alternatively, any objection raised by ‘donor’ shall be referred back to the recipient’s Registrar

Recipients Registrar shall forward the confirmed cases to BNNIC for further notification

Such a case where objection is raised solely by donor Registrant shall be terminated with information back to the recipient and BNNIC

Such a case where no objection is raised by donor Registrant, BNNIC shall state the final position as per grounds mentioned for objection

The date of transfer of Registrar and Expiry Date as per records shall be notified by the ‘recipient’ Registrar to the Registrant

The donor Registrar shall not charge any transfer fees without BNNIC’s approval

BNNIC shall not charge any payment specific to transfer

Such a process shall not exceed thirty(30) days since the first notice to BNNIC