Frequently Asked Questions

Answers

What is a domain name?
A domain name is essentially a signpost on the Internet. Websites and email systems use domain names in their addresses. 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 comply with the relevant rules and regulations and pay the renewal fees. Our principal domain name is 'cornwallinternet.com'; we have also registered a number of others such as 'swnet.co.uk' and 'cixs.net'.

Back to Top
What's the difference between a gTLD and a ccTLD?
A gTLD is a Generic Top Level Domain. These are top level domains that are NOT affiliated with any country and most can be registered by anyone for a fee. Currently, the most common ones are .com, .biz, .info, .net, and .org.

ccTLDs are Country Code Top Level Domains. These are the two character top level domains affiliated with various countries around the world, for example, .uk for the United Kingdom, .us for the United States of America and .de for Germany. Many ccTLDs are closed or restricted, requiring proof of residency in the country in question. Others, such as .uk, are not restricted.

Back to Top
What types of domain name are available from Cornwall Internet?
Cornwall Internet accepts registrations for domain names with the following suffixes:
- .com
- .biz
- .info
- .net
- .org
- .co.uk
- .ltd.uk
- .me.uk
- .org.uk
- .plc.uk
Back to Top
How much does a domain name cost?
Cornwall Internet makes the following charges for registering and maintaining domain names:
- .com, .biz, .info, .net and .org - £19.50 per year.
- .co.uk, .me.uk and .org.uk - £19.50 for two years.
- .ltd.uk and .plc.uk - £25 for two years.
The costs stated include all Registry charges and VAT and (if you so wish) use of Cornwall Internet domain name servers, web forwarding and email forwarding.

Back to Top
How do I register a domain name?
Registering a domain name is easy - most domains names can be registered using our online service - click HERE to start the process.

If you wish to register a .ltd.uk or a .plc.uk domain name there are special rules and you will need to contact us for advice.

Back to Top
Once I have a domain name, how can I make changes to it?
We are currently developing a domain name management interface, which will enable our customers to make changes online. Until the domain name management interface is complete you will need to send us an email to domains@cornwallinternet.com requesting that we make the relevant changes.

Back to Top
What do I do if I want to sell or give my domain name to someone else?
For .uk domain names, the .uk Registry will not accept any application to transfer a domain name unless the application includes: a transfer form (which may be found on the reverse of the Registration Certificate or requested from the .uk Registry); a letter from the transferor stating that they will comply with the .uk Registry's rules; a letter from the transferee stating that they will comply with the .uk Registry's rules; and either the Registration Certificate or a statement by the transferor that the Registration Certificate has either been lost or not received.

For other domain names you just need to send us a letter stating the name and contact details of the person to whom you wish to transfer the domain name.

Back to Top
What is OpenSRS?
OpenSRS is the domain registrar that provides services to Registration Service Providers, such as Cornwall Internet.

Back to Top
What is Nominet.UK?
Nominet.UK is the UK domain name registration organization. Cornwall Internet is a member of Nominet.UK.

Back to Top
Who does a registered name actually belong to?
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, b) the lessee does not comply with the relevant registry's rules and regulations, or c) a trademark holder with a trademark of the same name demonstrates a greater claim to the name than the lessee can demonstrate.

Back to Top
What is "WHOIS"?
"WHOIS" is a tool that permits people to access information about a particular domain name. Cornwall Internet provides a WHOIS service which accesses Registry databases. However, some of the databases are updated only once or twice every 24 hours so the information provided by WHOIS may not be completely up-to-date.

Back to Top
How do I find out more?
Send your question to us by email to domains@cornwallinternet.com.

Back to Top