What is a domain name?

A domain name tells people (and the computers they use) how to find your home page on the Internet. Each domain name is assigned to a numerical IP (Internet Protocol) address by your host provider. Since people remember names better than numbers, the domain name translates this number into words. www.yourname.com

Why do I need to register a domain name?

Registering a domain name for your business or organization is essential to your marketing efforts. A domain gives your business credibility and a unique identity on the world wide web.

Do you handle the domain registration process?

Yes, we will contact OpenSRS on your behalf. TheHostingHub.com will process a new domain name registration or a domain name modification (transferring an existing domain to our servers). Please DO NOT submit a registration or modification template as this will only delay the process.

Can I transfer an existing name to your servers?

Yes, simply follow the "Transfer Domain" link. You should keep the service with your current provider while waiting for InterNIC to complete the transfer process.

Can you host international domain names?

Yes we can host any foreign extensions, we will assist you in the registration of these names where possible. Otherwise, we will provide you with the information that you need to register the name yourself.

How will I be able to tell if my desired Domain Name is already taken?

Before registering a domain name you will first have to do a "Whois" search to see if your requested domain name is available. The domain request comes up with "no match" you will then be able to register that domain name.

How much does it cost to register a domain name?

The administrative process of registering a domain name is included in the price of all webhosting packages we offer. You as the customer are only responsible for paying the most current regsitration fee to TheHostingHub.com. By paying for the name yourself, you are assured of complete title and ownership of it.

Once I have secured my name, how long may I use it?

If there are no trademark disputes, your secured domain name will be yours for as long as you maintain the yearly registration fees with TheHostingHub.com (Netkinetic Inc.)

What if my desired domain name is the same as a trademarked name?

Generally, if you've registered the name in good faith, its not a name belonging to an internationally known company, and you can show that you have a legitimate reason to use that name then you are likely to be able to keep that name. That may not be the case if it can be shown that you purchased the name for the express purpose of reselling it to a company with a legitimate claim to the name.

How do I choose a good domain name?

It is important to choose a domain that will reflect the intent and purpose of your web site or business. Try to keep it short and simple. Your domain name will be one of the ways people recognize or evaluate their sites for their interests when they are searching via Yahoo or the other search engines.

What are the valid characters for a domain name and how long can it be?

The only valid characters for a domain name are letters, numbers and a hyphen "-". Other special characters like the underscore "_" or an exclamation mark "!" are NOT permitted. Example: your name.com (not correct, No spaces allowed) Example: your-name.com (is correct) A domain name can be up to 26 characters long -- including the 4 characters used to identify the Top Level Domain (.NET, .COM, .ORG, or .EDU). Do not type the www. before your domain name when registering.

Who is OpenSRS?

OpenSRS is a cooperative SLD (second level domain name) registration service for the .com, .net and .org namespace, managed by TUCOWS.com Inc. OpenSRS is fully accredited by ICANN and officially recognized by Network Solutions. It is a completely open system that has been designed to allow domain name resellers that are not ICANN or NSI affiliated to register domain names at wholesale rates .

What is a domain name?

A domain name is essentially a signpost on the Internet. Every website you've ever been to, and every email you've ever composed, has used a domain name in its address. People register domain names in order to 'stake a claim' to a particular name -- whether for business or personal reasons. Once a domain name is registered to a person or company, it is that person's to use exclusively as long as they continue to pay the yearly renewal fee. Our domain name is opensrs.org, and we also own opensrs.com and opensrs.net

After I've chosen an OpenSRS Registration Service Provider, what's involved in getting my domain name?

Most OpenSRS Registration Service Providers have built a domain registration process that you initiate from their web site. Once you've applied for the name, the Registration Service Provider accepts payment, processes the order with OpenSRS, and then the domain name is registered to you. This process can generally be completed within one business day, but it will vary by Registration Service Provider.

Once I have a domain name, how can I make changes to it?

You can make changes to your domain name by using the OpenSRS management interface at: http://manage.opensrs.net/. Bear in mind you'll need your domain's username and password to make the desired changes. If you don't have a username and password or have forgotten them, please contact the company that registered the domain for you on your behalf.

How do I change ownership of my domain name? (ie. I want to sell it or give it to someone else)

You can simply give your username and password to the new owner, and allow them to change the contact information using the Manage Domain interface. They should also change the domain's profile to a new one with a unique username and password.

How do I change the contact information:

In the Manage Domain interface (http://manage.opensrs.net), click on Organization link and update the information

How do I change the domain's profile:

Log into the Manage Domain interface at: http://manage.opensrs.net/ . Click on "Manage Profile" and then select "Change Ownership of Domain". Fill out the username/password of the profile you want to add this domain to, or create a new profile and provide a username and password. If you are moving the domain to an existing profile, click on "Move to existing profile" and type the name of a domain that is already in the profile into the "Previously registered domain" field. Click on "Change Owner" and the domain will be in the new profile. * It is important to remember that anyone with the profile login information can change all info for all domains in the profile, including ownership.

What is the role of OpenSRS?

OpenSRS is a domain registrar that competes with other domain registrars (Network Solutions, Register.com, etc.) in the domain name market. What makes us unique is the fact that we are strictly wholesale, providing services to Registration Service Providers who in turn sell domain names to people and companies worldwide. Because we focus on 'business-to-business' relationships, we're able to avoid the costs of supporting a base of end users, and consequently, can offer our services at a significantly lower price than our competitors.

What's the difference between an OpenSRS registered domain name and a Network Solutions (NSI) registered domain name?

There's no difference between a name registered with OpenSRS and a name registered with Network Solutions. Network Solutions is currently better known because they ran the first domain registration business without competition for a number of years.

Registry? Registrar? Registrant? What do these words mean?

Registrar: A "Registrar" (or "Domain Name Registrar") is an organization like OpenSRS or Network Solutions that has control over the granting of domains within certain TLDs (top level domains, like the generic .com/.org/.net or country-specific .ca/.us/.mx etc.).Registry: The 'Registry' is the backend that registrar's have shared access to. Each registrar writes new names to a central registry database, from which the authoritative root (essentially, a table of all domain names on the Internet) is built. Registrant: A registrant is the person or company who purchases a domain name. For example, Jessica Smith (registrant) registers the name jessicasmith.com through OpenSRS (registrar) who in turn writes the name to the central database (Registry).

How can I get in touch with an OpenSRS Domain Registration Service Provider?

You can reach a Registration Service Provider by emailing our helpful sales staff (sales@opensrs.org) who will make sure to expedite your request as quickly as possible.

I can't get hold of my Registration Service Provider. I call, I write, and I still don't get an answer. What do I do?

OpenSRS, as a wholesale domain registrar, likes to leave customer service issues between the Registration Service Provider and the end user. However, if you have tried repeatedly to contact your Registration Service Provider, using all traditional means (including telephone and email), to no avail, please contact compliance@opensrs.org. The compliance department will normally respond to your query within 24-48 hours. Our compliance officer will not necessarily deal directly with your issue; our first step is to try to contact the RSP ourselves to get the issue resolved. Failing that, we can take action to remedy almost all situations. NOTE: Please do not contact the OpenSRS compliance officer unless you have exhausted all other means of contacting your RSP. If the company you have chosen as your Registration Service Provider has gone out of business, Tucows will ensure that you are notified and allowed to chose another Tucows RSP before your domain name is due for renewal.

How do I switch to a new OpenSRS Reseller?

You may change Resellers at any time. If you can't find a company you can deal with, we can send you a random list (contact sales@opensrs.org). The reseller you chose will be able to move your domain to their account. This usually takes up to a week to complete.

I can't get any technical support from my Registration Service Provider?

Technical issues are best dealt with between you and your Registration Service Provider; however, if you cannot contact your Registration Service Provider, please review Question 10 of this FAQ.

I forgot my login name and password.

Your login name and password (used to make modifications to your domain name record) can be obtained from your Registration Service Provider.

How do I resolve a payment dispute with a Registration Service Provider?

As a wholesaler, OpenSRS has very little to do with Registration Service Provider billing issues. However, if you feel that unsavoury business practices are at the root of the dispute and that contacting OpenSRS is your only recourse, please review Question 10 of this FAQ.

Who does a registered name actually belong to, the end user or the Registration Service Provider?

Domain names are not truly owned -- they're leased out on a first-come, first-served basis, and remain with the initial lessee until either a) the lessee does not renew the name, or b) a business with a trademark of the same name demonstrates a greater claim to the name than the lessee can demonstrate. The question is better phrased as 'who can control the domain name'. With OpenSRS, the answer is the domain's Administrative Contact. This is usually specified by the registrant during the registration process; however, as each Registration Service Provider may have slightly different policies in this matter, please consult individual Registration Service Provider's websites for full details.

How much control do domain owners have over their domain once they've signed up through an OpenSRS Registration Service Provider?

Domain owners, in general, have full control over their OpenSRS registered domain names. This means that the domain owner has the power to:a) Change admin/technical and billing contacts for the domain.b) Change ownership of the domain. c) Change the nameservers that are authoritative for the domain. d) Create sub-users and enable them to change some/all of the options in a, b and c above. e) Change the password that enables a, b, c, and d above. As an end-user, it's unlikely you'll care to bother with such details. If this is the case, there are many Registration Service Providers opt to offer these services as a 'value-add' to their registration service. Please review individual Registration Service Provider policy pages for information on how they deal with domain authority.

I heard the "WHOIS" at Internic is not in real time. How is this different from the WHOIS function at OpenSRS?

WHOIS is a tool that permits people to access information about a particular domain name. Internic updates their WHOIS data twice every 24 hrs. This means the data it presents isn't as up-to-date as it could be. For example, if a domain name has transferred ownership, it's possible this fact wouldn't be available to you for up to twelve hours. In contrast, with regard to names we host, OpenSRS WhoIS information is updated in real time. If you need to be certain that your domain name information is correct, we recommend you use the OpenSRS WHOIS.

What's the difference between .com, .net, .org domain names?

Originally, the three letter extensions after the dot (or Top Level Domain/TLD) were meant to denote whether the domain name was being used for business (.com) charity/non-profit (.org) or for a technology based company (.net). However, with the explosion of the Internet (and specifically, the world wide web) as a new business medium, the lines were blurred, and companies and individuals alike started cross-registering domains (ie. Me.com, me.net, me.org) just to protect their interests. Now, .com, .net, and .org names (the generic Top Level Domains) can be used for any purpose.

Does OpenSRS register in any other top level domains (.ca, .us, .co, .uk, etc.)?

Currently, OpenSRS offers registrations in the .com, .net, .org gTLDs, and the .co.uk, .org.uk, and .ca ccTLDs through its Registration Service Providers.

What's the difference between a ccTLD and a gTLD?

A gTLD is a generic Top Level Domain. These are top level domains that are NOT affiliated with any country and can be registered by anyone for a fee. Currently, these are .com, .net, and .org. ccTLDs are Country Code Top Level Domains.These are the two character top level domain names affiliated with various countries around the world. Many ccTLDs are closed or restricted, requiring proof of residency in the country in question. Others are not restricted, and can be purchased much like gTLDs.

This is fascinating. Where can I go for more information on the domain name space?

For a detailed account on the evolution of the domain space as a business phenomenon, please visit http://www.icann.org./

What is a domain name?

A domain name is essentially a signpost on the Internet. Every website you've ever been to, and every email you've ever composed, has used a domain name in its address. People register domain names in order to 'stake a claim' to a particular name -- whether for business or personal reasons. Once a domain name is registered to a person or company, it is that person's to use exclusively as long as they continue to pay the yearly renewal fee.

Is the domain registration fee the only fee we have to pay

When you register your domain name there is an annual fee that is payable to the registration agent (TheHostingHub.com) of $24.99 - .com, .org and .net, or $39.99 for .ca domains plus applicable taxes. When this payment is made our accounting system runs a pre-authorization check on your credit card. At a later date (approx. 24 hours) the full charge is applied to your card. The pre-authorization amount is credited back to your card up to 72 hours later. There is also a 2 year option for $49.98 - .com, .org and .net and $79.98 for .ca. Please note: this is an annual charge and you will be contacted via e-mail 60 days, 30 days, 10 days and 1 day prior to the expiration for renewal purposes.

What is a Transfer?

A Transfer moves a domain to an OpenSRS Reseller (TheHostingHub.com) and away from
another Registrar i.e. Network Solutions, Register.com etc.

Why Transfer ?

There are over 18 million .com/.net/.org domain names already registered worldwide. Each of those domains are costing their owners $35 USD per year. By transferring your domain to TheHostingHub.com (Authorized OpenSRS Reseller) we can provide better service at a better price.

What are the benefits to transferring your domain name?

DOMAIN MANAGER: Powerful but simple to use web based control panel to manage all your domains.You can make changes to your domain name by using the OpenSRS management interface at: http://manage.opensrs.net.

PAY LOW RENEWAL FEES: Why pay $35 (USD), when you can pay much less to renew your domain names per year of registration!

MORE FOR YOUR DOLLAR: We sell our services in Canadian dollars. Get more from your US Dollar when you buy in Canadian $$ ($1.00 USD =

What's the difference between an OpenSRS registered domain name and a Network Solutions (NSI) registered domain name?

There's no difference between a name registered with OpenSRS and a name registered with Network Solutions. Network Solutions is currently better known because they ran the first domain registration business without competition for a number of years.

What is the role of OpenSRS?

OpenSRS is a domain registrar that competes with other domain registrars (Network Solutions, Register.com, etc.) in the domain name market. What makes OpenSRS unique is that they provide their services to Registration Service Providers who in turn sell domain names to people and companies worldwide. Because they focus on 'business-to-business' relationships, they are able to avoid the costs of supporting a base of end users, and consequently, can offer their services at a significantly lower price than Network Solutions.

What is the role of TheHostingHub.com?

TheHostingHub.com is an authorized reseller (Registered Service Provider) for OpenSRS. Under the OpenSRS model, TheHostingHub.com resells domain names through OpenSRS and sells them to individuals or businesses.
TheHostingHub provides its customers with an easy to use domain registration process that you initiate from our web site. Once you've applied for the name, the TheHostingHub.com accepts payment, processes the order with OpenSRS, and then the domain name is registered to you. We also provide all technical support to domain registrants.

How does the transfer work?

A Transfer moves a domain to an OpenSRS Reseller (TheHostingHub.com) and away from
another Registrar i.e. Network Solutions, Register.com etc. In this scenario, you request the change and TheHostingHub.com initiates the transfer.

The system confirms that the following preconditions have been met – if not, the transfer will fail.
Preconditions:

The domain name must have been registered for more than 60 days.

The current admin contact’s email address must able to confirm the transfer request

The domain must not be “On-Hold” by the current registrar. This condition can exist for
many reasons, including lack of payment or domain expiry.



If all the preconditions are met, the system sends the domain’s admin contact an e-mail directing them to a Web page, where they can approve or decline the transfer.


Upon approval, the transfer is processed:
•the account is adjusted
•the domain is “moved”
•the WHOIS info is updated
•the system notifies all parties involved that the transfer was successful


If the admin contact declines the transfer, the system will cancel the transaction:
•the locked funds are released
•the domain notes are updated
•all involved parties are notified that the transfer was not successful

Use the form below to transfer your domian