A large number of potential back-end registrars missed the new gTLD window, and the early screening effect of the RSP program is evident

Recent data released by the ICANN Registrar Service Provider Evaluation Program (RSP Program) show that many institutions around the world failed to submit complete application materials before the deadline of May 20 and were unfortunately eliminated. This situation will undoubtedly affect their eligibility to participate in the next round of new gTLD applications.

According to the latest statistics in May, although as many as 65 potential registration service providers (RSPs) have expressed their intention to participate in the system, as of now, only 46 are still in an effective state in the system. Among them, 26 are still waiting to pass the background check, and 15 have submitted complete materials but have not yet been approved. And 19 were excluded for not submitting the required information in time.

It is worth noting that, in terms of regional distribution, the Asia-Pacific region submitted the most applications, with 15; followed by Europe (17) and North America (12). The performance of Latin America/Caribbean and Africa is obviously insufficient, and each region may only have one RSP that can obtain pre-approval.

The core of the RSP program is to verify the capabilities of technical service providers in advance and lower the technical threshold for new gTLD applicants. In future application rounds, as long as the applicant chooses a back-end service provider certified by the RSP program, the requirements of the technical evaluation part can be automatically met. Therefore, RSPs that obtain pre-approval will have a significant first-mover advantage in the market.

Although institutions that fail to pass the RSP can still submit evaluation applications with customers when the new round of gTLD applications are opened in 2026, missing the opportunity for early approval will undoubtedly become a significant disadvantage in a highly competitive market.

As the new round of gTLD opening approaches, this round of RSP screening has become a preview of the future pattern. The layout and preparation of each service provider will directly determine its position and influence in the next stage.

Information source: Domain Incite