But it is no simple matter to register country by country. The main barrier is usually the need to be registered as a business in that country. For that reason, systems integrator firms such as Andersen Consulting are now teaming up with registrars to help firms complete the legal niceties such as setting up a shell company in the desired location before registering. But along the way firms are highly likely to find that some domains they want are already on the secondary market, which means they are in the hands of speculators. Otherwise there is little that a firm can do except buy the domain from a speculator, or use a different name.
Registrars actively encourage individuals or firms to speculate.
Icann insists that none of them will be able to guarantee the required names will be delivered. Icann also says fees should not be paid up-front. Consumer groups will be watching Icann and the registrar groups with interest in the run up to the launch of the new domains to ensure fair play. Most firms will be affected by one or more of the new domains. Notably .biz, .pro and .info.