.tel sTLD
TEL
The .TEL TLD was designed as a global contact directory, allowing users to store and publish phone numbers, email addresses, and other contact details directly in the DNS, without requiring a website. Unlike other TLDs, .TEL domains cannot be used for web hosting or domain parking; all contact information is managed through the registry’s Telhost system.
Open for registration by anyone through ICANN-accredited registrars, but domains cannot be used for web hosting or parking. All contact data must be stored via the official Telhost system.
.tel Domain Overview
The .tel extension is a sponsored top-level domain (sTLD) in the Domain Name System (DNS). It is managed by Telnames Ltd.. .tel was introduced in 01. There are currently 73,617 domains registered under this extension. Registration prices start from USD 9.76 - 13.69. DNSSEC adoption stands at 0.6%.
Registration Info
Price range based on 3 registrars. Actual prices may vary.
Security Features
- DNSSEC
- CAA Record Support
Where to Register a .tel Domain — Price Comparison
Compare .tel domain registration and renewal prices across 3 registrars. Prices are in USD and updated daily.
| Registrar | Registration | Renewal | Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| dynadot Cheapest | $9.76 | $9.76 | $9.76 |
| porkbun | $9.78 | $9.78 | $9.78 |
| resellerclub | $13.69 | $16.79 | $13.69 |
Prices checked April 7, 2026. Prices exclude ICANN fees where applicable and may vary by registrar promotions or contract terms.
What Is the History of .tel?
The .TEL domain was launched in 2005 by TelNic and officially delegated by ICANN on January 22, 2007. It was conceived as a centralized contact directory where users could publish and maintain their communication details — such as phone numbers and email addresses — directly in the DNS. In 2017, management was transferred from TelNic to Telnames Ltd. Despite its innovative purpose, adoption was limited because domain investors and registrars avoided it due to its inability to support website hosting or domain parking.
Did you know?
The .tel TLD serves a specific purpose in the domain ecosystem, providing users with clear context about the websites using this extension.
What Is .tel Used For?
The .tel TLD is commonly used for the following purposes:
Contact information directory
Phone number publication
Email address listing
Enterprise contact management
Contact synchronization for address books
How Many .tel Domains Are Registered?
Total Registrations
73,617
DNSSEC Adoption
0.6%
Alternative TLDs
If .tel doesn't meet your needs, consider these alternatives:
How Does .tel Compare?
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Extension | .tel |
| Type | Sponsored TLD (sTLD) |
| Total Registrations | 73,617 |
| DNSSEC Adoption | 0.6% |
| Registration Price | USD 9.76 - 13.69 |
| Renewal Price | USD 9.76 - 16.79 |
| Registry Operator | Telnames Ltd. |
| Introduced | 01-22-2007 |
| Restrictions | Open for registration by anyone through ICANN-accredited registrars, but domains cannot be used for web hosting or parking. All contact data must be stored via the official Telhost system. |
How Available Are .tel Domain Names?
Registration density analysis for .tel domains by character length. Currently 30,110 domains are registered across all lengths.
Total Registered
30.1K
Peak Saturation
67.0%
2-char names
DNSSEC Adoption
1.4%
Top Provider
Cloudflare
| Length | Registered | % Full | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 char | 1 | 3.9% | |
| 2 chars | 453 | 67.0% | |
| 3 chars | 2,054 | 11.7% | |
| 4 chars | 2,943 | 0.64% | |
| 5 chars | 4,170 | 0.04% | |
| 6 chars | 3,833 | <0.01% | |
| 7 chars | 3,971 | <0.01% | |
| 8 chars | 3,549 | <0.01% | |
| 9 chars | 2,844 | <0.01% | |
| 10 chars | 2,442 | <0.01% | |
| 11 chars | 2,108 | <0.01% | |
| 12 chars | 1,742 | <0.01% |
Top DNS Providers
Updated daily from zone file analysis. Alpha density = registered / 26^length.
Compare across all TLDs →How Do I Register a .tel Domain?
Eligibility
Open to public registration through ICANN-accredited registrars. No residency or business requirements, but registrants must use the Telhost system and cannot configure custom name servers or web hosting.
Open Registration
The .tel TLD is available for registration through accredited domain registrars.
Registration Process
- Choose an accredited domain registrar that offers .tel domains
- Check domain availability using the registrar's search tool
- Complete the registration process and provide required information
- Pay the registration fee (typically USD 9.76 - 13.69)
- Manage your domain settings through your registrar's control panel
.tel vs Related Domain Extensions
How does .tel compare to similar top-level domains? This comparison covers pricing, type, and availability to help choose the right domain extension.
View the full TLD Directory to browse all 1,900+ top-level domains with pricing, registration density analysis, and DNSSEC adoption rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is This .tel Data Compiled?
DNS Checker maintains a comprehensive TLD directory covering all 1,900+ active top-level domains. The data on this page combines multiple authoritative sources to provide information not found in standard TLD listings.
Zone File Analysis
Domain registration counts and density analysis are computed daily from TLD zone files, providing accurate registration statistics rather than estimates.
DNSSEC Adoption Tracking
DNSSEC deployment percentages are measured by scanning actual DNS records across all registered domains in each TLD zone.
Registrar Price Monitoring
Registration, renewal, and transfer prices are checked hourly across multiple accredited registrars and compared automatically.
Provider Market Share
DNS provider distribution is calculated from nameserver records, showing which hosting providers serve the most domains in each TLD.
Use DNS Checker tools to inspect any .tel domain: run a full DNS health check, check DNS propagation, look up WHOIS records, or verify email authentication.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is sourced from IANA, ICANN, and respective registry operator publications, then structured and formatted with the assistance of AI. While accuracy is a priority, details such as pricing, registration requirements, and policies may change. Always verify with the official registry or an accredited registrar before making registration decisions.