Long-time readers of this blog will know that it's possible to register .me.ss domain names - there are various other 3rd level domains you can buy.

But, from the 1st of August 2024, you'll be able to apply for a 2nd level. So you'll be able to grab example.ss.

Here's the official announcement.

As per normal for a new TLD, there will be a period where organisations with Trade Marks can register their domains. Then a period where anyone with sufficient cash can register their cool idea for a domain. Then it opens up to everyone.

So what will they cost? Afriregister provided these prices:

For comparison, their .me.ss domains are only €25.

Registrations will only be allowed in ASCII - which means no IDNs. The majority of the languages officially recognised in South Sudan appear to be written in the Latin script, so that shouldn't be a huge issue.

As is common with all other TLDs, there is a list of words which will not be allowed to be registered.

Applications will not be accepted for domain names appearing on the Second Level Domain (SLD) block list.

When I previously investigated this, there were lots of names which weren't available due to local politics. Although there is an archived version of the list of banned words (PDF), the modern SLD Block List appears to have vanished from the registry. I've asked them for an updated list which I'll link to once I get it.

I think it is fair to say that the .ss TLD has had a tumultuous history. There hasn't been much discussion of this change in policy since the announcement a few weeks ago - but I hope that this opening up will help South Sudanese people & businesses to establish their own distinct presence on the Internet.