.bw
Internet country code top-level domain for Botswana
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
.bw is the Internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Botswana. It is officially administered by the Botswana Communication Regulatory Authority since 2013, previously being administered by the University of Botswana.
| |
| Introduced | 19 March 1993 |
|---|---|
| TLD type | Country code top-level domain |
| Status | Active |
| Registry | Botswana Communication Regulatory Authority |
| Sponsor | Botswana Communication Regulatory Authority |
| Intended use | Entities connected with Botswana |
| Actual use | Very popular in Botswana |
| Structure | Registrations are at the third level beneath various second-level names. |
| Registry website | nic |
Operations
Most current registrations are at the third level beneath second-level names such as co.bw and org.bw, but some second-level registrations also exist, such as Botswana Telecommunications Corporation's website.[1] However, registrations at the second level have been stopped, and all entities who are currently registered under this level will be given a three-year grace period to migrate to any other level.[2][3]
The most visited .bw domain is google.co.bw by Google Inc. in Botswana.[4]
Botswana Communication Regulatory Authority operates a WHOIS service for .bw domains and was previously operated by Botswana Telecommunications Corporation.[5]
Structure
| Top level domain name | Intended purpose |
|---|---|
| .co.bw | For commercial entities |
| .org.bw | For non profit organisations |
| .ac.bw | For academic institutions |
| .net.bw | Network service providers |
| .gov.bw | Government and related entities |
| .shop.bw | E-commerce websites[6] |
| .agric.bw | Farmers and agricultural businesses[6] |
| .me.bw | Individuals and personal brands[6] |