New Domain Targets Mobile Phones

ICANN approved the ".mobi" suffix for domain names at a meeting in Luxemberg Monday, intended to signify Web sites that are designed for use by mobile phones. The domain had received the backing of several wireless operators and handset makers, including Ericsson, Microsoft, T-Mobile, and Vodafone. The companies hope that the new domain will spur the development of Web sites optimized for mobile phones.

"As .mobi will encourage the usage of advanced functionalities in mobile devices, the market potential for those devices will increase," the companies said in a joint statement. The idea for the domain name came from the Dutch slang term for mobile phones, "mobi." The domain should be ready for use by 2006.