.aq is the Internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Antarctica (itself not a country). It is derived from the French and is reserved for organizations that work in Antarctica or promote the Antarctic and Southern Ocean regions. It is administered by Peter Mott of Antarctica Network Information Centre Limited from Christchurch, New Zealand.

.aq domain names are available free of charge, and registration is granted for a period of 24 months. However, registrants must have a "physical presence" in Antarctica which, aside from working on the continent, can include:

  • Unattended installations owned or operated by the registrant, or
  • Short term visits to the ice by the registrant or its employees, in which a letter signed by the officer in charge of the base or expedition is required.

As a general rule, registrants are only allocated a single .aq domain name. The registry does not have a website. Registration is only possible by contacting Antarctica Network Information Centre Limited.

<!-- On a preliminary web search, there appears to be a site present under the domain universomarvel.com.aq, although it is unclear what its purpose is or if com.aq is a second-level domain or a company offering registrations under subdomains of com.aq. -->

See also

  • Telecommunications in Antarctica

References

  • IANA .aq whois information
  • FAQ for the .aq registry
  • Top-Level-Domain .AQ (information site about .aq)

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