162 Million Domain Names Registered: VeriSign

Registry sees sharp domain registration growth (again).

.Com and .net registry VeriSign (NASDAQ: VRSN) estimates there are 162 million domain names registered across all TLDs as of the end of Q1 2008. In the firm’s latest Domain Name Industry Brief (pdf), the firm states fresh registrations increased 17% compared to the previous quarter, although the overall base of domains grew only 6%.

Other interesting news:
-.Net is no longer the third most popular domain name. .Cn (China) edged it out, perhaps due to its dirt cheap pricing. .Com and .De remained number one and two respectively.

-A number of ccTLDs grew by double digits this quarter, counting .pl. VeriSign attributes Poland’s jump to additional services the registry launched that encourage investment in domain names and help with the aftermarket. Indeed, the .pl registry had a booth at TRAFFIC Orlando, which shows they are serious regarding domain investors. Other ccTLDs grew due to relaxed registration requirements (.es Spain, .fr France) and growing internet use (.ru Russia)

-VeriSign estimated 8%-10% of all domains right now registered were registered for domain parking purposes.