So is this just a featureless social network that costs $10 a year, or the most significant innovation since ".com"? Probably somewhere very far from those extremes, but you be the judge. Registration for the .tel domains is now open for trademark holders, and this sunrise period will remain open until February 3rd.  Despite the quote above from TechCrunch, the cost for early registration will be more like $400.

Whatever may be said about .tel, it is fair to say that it is not just another TLD. This domain is really trying to do something different, and it just might work. Designed to be an online telephone directory on steroids, allowing"click-to-call" and mapping services from everything from PC's to all kinds of hand-held devices, it does present trademark holders with the practical question of just how far they have to go in buying up (protecting) every conceivable use of their marks, even if they do not intend to fully exploit the .tel offering.

Timing:

The first phase includes the sunrise period for trademark holders only opening December 3, 2008, a "land rush" period for anyone that wishes to purchase at a premium price opening February 3, 2009, and General Availability (here's where the $10 domains presumably become available) which opens to the general public on March 24, 2009.

Propaganda from the Registrars:

What is .tel?

.Tel is a brand new domain name extension that allows businesses and individuals to manage important contact information directly on the Internet. Every .tel domain includes a hosted Web site where you can post phone numbers, email addresses, Web links, keywords and more. The convenient page layout lets you control how your information is displayed and who sees it. Plus, your listing is included in the Telpage global directory where customers can search by name or keywords to find you.

.Tel signifies fast and easy retrieval of your most important cross-medium contact data. Get connected to your customers and friends with just one click.

Why register a .tel?

• Create your permanent online business card
• Expand your ability to communicate and reach your customers
• Become accessible from any device connected to the Internet in just one click
• Compliment your current Web site with complete contact page
• Gain entry into a new global online directory
• Easy site updates that take effect in minutes
• Ensure your most important information is easily accessible and always up-to-date.

What can I do with a .tel?

Manage and publish all of your contact information in one place, such as:

• Business or home telephone numbers
• Mobile telephone numbers
• Business FAX numbers
• Business or personal e-mail addresses
• Instant messaging addresses
• Short Message Service (SMS)
• Web site links
• Mailing Address
• Physical Location