< WHY ? "By 2004, China is predicted to account for more than a quarter of the world's total online population. In terms of business activity, e-commerce is expected to serve as an important engine of growth for development across the region, with revenues reaching nearly $600 billion in 2005, a compound annual growth rate of more than 101 percent from 2000, and including growth figures for both the B2B and B2C segments. Global internet population - Q1 2002 Rank Country Total Internet Population (millions) 1 USA 166.0 2 China 56.6 3 Japan 51.3 4 Germany 32.2 5 UK 29.0 Internet use clearly continues to develop rapidly in China. Surveys completed in the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen show online user numbers increasing by more than 50% each year." - NeuStar's Guide for International Business People. What is a second level domain name? Second level domain names consist of two parts (like in .com or .info names). For example, in the second level domain name example.cn, "CN" would be the top level part (TLD), and "EXAMPLE" would be the second level part (SLD) which is the part you register. Both parts representing the domain name. What is a third level domain name? Third level domain names consist of three parts (like in .co.uk names). For example, in the third level domain name example.com.cn, "CN" would be the top level part, "COM" would be the second level part, "EXAMPLE" would be the third level part which is the part you register. We will offer names in .com.cn, .net.cn, .org.cn. How many years can I register .CN names? The minimum registration period is 1 year, and the maximum 5 years. What is changing within .CN? Under recently announced policy, .CN domain names will be available for registration worldwide. Previously, only registrants located in China were able to register a .CN name. CNNIC is also moving to a real-time registration system. Previously, .CN sales agents accepted .CN registrations, but CNNIC acted as the exclusive Registrar and Registry. Is there a Nexus requirement for Registrants? No. Under recently announced .CN policy, registrars may accept .CN registrations from users worldwide. You say there are "no policy restrictions" on third-level .CN names. What does that mean, exactly? After launch, any business or organization, worldwide, can register a .CN name under a new liberalized policy that no longer restricts .CN registrations to Chinese entities. Who can market .CN names to registrants located in China? Registrars and resellers of .CN domain names are able to offer .CN domain names to registrants worldwide. What are the rules for .CN transfers? Domain names registered through China-based registrars cannot be transferred into non-China based registrars, and vice versa. Domain names cannot be transferred within the first 60 days of initial registration. Also, domain names scheduled to expire in fewer than 14 days will not be allowed to transfer. These rules are based on the fact that .CN does not have auto-renewal for expired names.