Comprehensive information about all top-level domains (TLDs) including generic, country code, and brand-specific domains.
Showing 12 of 2000 TLDs ( 2000 total)
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.
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 74,183 domains registered under this extension. Registration prices start from USD 9.76 - 13.69. DNSSEC adoption stands at 0.6%.
Price range based on 3 registrars. Actual prices may vary.
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.
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.
The .tel TLD serves a specific purpose in the domain ecosystem, providing users with clear context about the websites using this extension.
The .tel TLD is commonly used for the following purposes:
74,183
0.6%
If .tel doesn't meet your needs, consider these alternatives:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Extension | .tel |
| Type | Sponsored TLD (sTLD) |
| Total Registrations | 74,183 |
| 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. |
Registration density analysis for .tel domains by character length. Currently 29,933 domains are registered across all lengths.
Total Registered
29.9K
Peak Saturation
66.9%
2-char names
DNSSEC Adoption
1.4%
Top Provider
Cloudflare
| Length | Registered | % Full | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 char | 1 | 3.9% | |
| 2 chars | 452 | 66.9% | |
| 3 chars | 2,051 | 11.7% | |
| 4 chars | 2,925 | 0.64% | |
| 5 chars | 4,103 | 0.03% | |
| 6 chars | 3,807 | <0.01% | |
| 7 chars | 3,950 | <0.01% | |
| 8 chars | 3,538 | <0.01% | |
| 9 chars | 2,827 | <0.01% | |
| 10 chars | 2,434 | <0.01% | |
| 11 chars | 2,104 | <0.01% | |
| 12 chars | 1,741 | <0.01% |
Updated daily from zone file analysis. Alpha density = registered / 26^length.
Compare across all TLDs →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.
The .tel TLD is available for registration through accredited domain registrars.
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.
DNSChkr 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.
Domain registration counts and density analysis are computed daily from TLD zone files, providing accurate registration statistics rather than estimates.
DNSSEC deployment percentages are measured by scanning actual DNS records across all registered domains in each TLD zone.
Registration, renewal, and transfer prices are checked hourly across multiple accredited registrars and compared automatically.
DNS provider distribution is calculated from nameserver records, showing which hosting providers serve the most domains in each TLD.
Use DNSChkr 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.