At the time, .TEL websites attracted attention because their contact-focused pages were designed to work well on mobile devices.
But there was an important misunderstanding. Google wasn’t giving the .TEL domain extension a special rating. Its test evaluated individual webpages, not entire top-level domains.
Since then, .TEL has also changed. It is no longer limited to the specialized DNS and hosting arrangements associated with its original launch.
Considering .TEL for a business or contact website? Check .TEL domain availability and current registration and renewal prices at NiceNIC.
What Was Google's "Awesome" Rating Really About?
In November 2014, Google introduced a Mobile-Friendly Test to help website owners identify problems affecting mobile visitors.
The test examined factors such as readable text, appropriate page width, and whether links were easy to tap.
A webpage passing those checks could receive the “Awesome” message.
Because .TEL was originally designed around contact information and mobile accessibility, some .TEL pages performed well in this test.
However, the result applied to those particular pages.
Google did not give .TEL a domain-wide endorsement or guarantee better search rankings for websites using the extension.
The original Mobile-Friendly Test was retired in December 2023.
Website owners can now use tools such as Google PageSpeed Insights to assess performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
What Is a .TEL Domain Used for Today?
.TEL was created with a strong focus on contact information and communication.
It remains particularly relevant to businesses and professionals who want a memorable address for reaching them.
For example:
janesmith.tel — Professional contact profile
A consultant could publish business contact details, services, and links to professional profiles.
yourbrand.tel — Business contact hub
A company could direct customers to sales, support, booking, or other contact channels.
yourteam.tel — Team or service directory
An organization could create a directory for departments, locations, or service contacts.
These are illustrative naming examples. Availability and trademark rights have not been verified.
.TEL can also be used for a regular business website, not just a contact directory.
The important question is which setup best suits your project.
Can You Use Your Own Hosting and DNS with .TEL?
Yes. .TEL domains are no longer restricted to their original hosting model.
Before March 2017, .TEL operated under unusual DNS restrictions that required registrants to use registry-controlled arrangements for publishing information.
Those restrictions were removed as part of changes to the .TEL Registry Agreement.
Today, you generally have two options.
Option 1: Use the Registry's Telhosting Service
The .TEL registry provides an optional Telhosting service for publishing contact information.
It can be useful if you primarily want a contact page rather than a fully customized website.
The service is managed separately from the registrar account.
Visit the official .TEL registry website for current Telhosting information and setup instructions.
Option 2: Use Your Own Website Hosting
You can also connect a .TEL domain to a compatible third-party hosting provider.
This allows you to build a conventional website using your preferred platform.
The general process is similar to managing other domain extensions:
- Register the .TEL domain.
- Obtain the required nameserver or DNS settings from your hosting provider.
- Configure the domain through your registrar or DNS provider.
- Connect your website and enable HTTPS.
- Test the website and any associated email services.
.TEL supports DNS configurations for services such as websites and email, subject to your chosen provider’s capabilities.
Registering .TEL does not automatically include a full website, professional email service, or custom hosting. These may require separate arrangements.
For technical history, see ICANN's 2016 .TEL Registry Agreement renewal decision.
Who Can Register a .TEL Domain?
.TEL is generally available to individuals, businesses, and organizations internationally without a professional or industry-specific qualification.
However, registrations must comply with the applicable registry policies.
Important considerations include:
- Domain availability and reserved names
- Permitted characters and naming requirements
- Registry-premium pricing for selected names
- Accurate registrant information
- Trademark and other applicable legal rights
Some internationalized domain names are also supported, subject to the registry’s language-specific rules and registrar availability.
The current registry operator is Telnames Ltd., as listed in the IANA .TEL delegation record.
For detailed naming rules, consult the official .TEL Registry FAQ.
How Much Does a .TEL Domain Cost?
As of October 13, 2026, NiceNIC publicly displays the following Market account prices for standard .TEL domains:
- First-year registration: $29.99
- Annual renewal: $29.99
These are published prices, not guaranteed future rates. Premium domains, account pricing levels, and subsequent changes may affect the amount payable.
Before registering, compare the total cost of maintaining the domain with the services you intend to use.
You can review current .TEL registration and renewal prices at NiceNIC.
Should You Choose .TEL or .COM?
.TEL may be a suitable choice when communication and contact information are central to your website.
A consultant, customer support team, or service directory may find the extension’s meaning relevant.
.COM, on the other hand, is a more familiar general-purpose extension and may be preferable for a broader business or an established brand.
If you already have a successful .COM website, there is no need to replace it simply to create a contact page. You could use an existing page or a dedicated .TEL address if it serves a clear purpose.
Neither extension guarantees mobile compatibility, faster loading, or improved Google rankings.
Is .TEL Still Worth Considering?
The 2014 Google headline reflected a moment when mobile-friendly websites were becoming increasingly important.
But the real value of .TEL today has little to do with an old test result.
Its communication-focused identity and more flexible DNS and hosting options make it a possible choice for professionals, businesses, and contact-oriented projects.
Choose .TEL because it suits the way people need to reach you—not because of a historical Google rating.
If the extension fits your project, explore available .TEL domains at NiceNIC and review the current registration terms before purchasing.
