Market Dynamics

This section explores the complex dynamics of the domain name market, highlighting the critical differences between standard and premium domains and the market forces that affect registrants.

The topics covered include:

• Captive Renewals: Explores the per-registry monopoly required for DNS to function and how this lack of competition for renewals creates a captive market for registrants.
• Price Discrimination: Details how premium domains are vulnerable to price discrimination, a practice amplified by opaque fee classes and waived registrant protections.
• Healthy Market: Describes the factors, such as competition and uniform pricing rules, that create a relatively balanced and fair market for standard domains.
• Distorted Market: Contrasts the healthy market by showing how premium domains operate in a distorted environment where registrants waive key protections, leading to increased risks.
• Suggestions: Proposes concrete changes to address market imbalances, aiming to foster a more transparent, fair, and competitive environment for all registrants.