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THE .BI DOMAIN REGISTRATION PROCEDURES


Terms and Conditions

THE .BI DOMAIN REGISTRATION PROCEDURES

Registrations are by delegation, where a domain name within a sub domain category of the BI Domain TLD is delegated to an organization or individual running name servers that support that name.

All organizations, government and non-government agencies; primary, secondary and tertiary educational institutions; companies with a presence in Burundi; and all interested individuals and entities are encouraged to register under the BI Domain.

Registrations in other top-level domains such as COM, NET, and ORG are also possible; please refer to the ICANN Web site at http://www.icann.org for directions.

Speedy registration is available online or you can e-mail an application form to the registrar@nic.bi

CNI has appointed CBINET s.a., its subsidiary providing internet services, to carry out registrations for the BI Domain. Other registrars will also be appointed soon.

GENERAL POLICIES ON DOMAIN NAME DELEGATION

Policy on delegation of sub-domains and acceptable domain names

The domain name space is served on a first in first out basis .BI Registry has a rather liberal policy about domain names as soon as the domain name is in relation with the business name or one of its marks. The general principle is that a domain must reflect the truth.

The foreign entities are not obliged to keep a DNS or an administrative contact in the country. Except those qualified by BI Registry as restricted or undesirable, any domain name related to the business may be assigned to these entities.

A restricted domain is one of these : gov net edu ac com co int mil gouv or any other name related to government or public company use. Contact registrar@nic.bi if you want to create such a domain. Note however that it will be assigned only if sponsored by an official authority. We also discourage registration of second level domains for generic names such as bank, name,nom, art ... or a geographic notion as it also misleads people.

An undesirable name is defined as being vulgar, misleading people or being rejected by BI Registry at its own discretion. It is also applicable for domain registration of wellknown brands/trademarks registered by third parties without the consent of the owner of the brands/trademark. The domain will be deleted immediately at the owner's request.

We strongly discourage the use of suffixes of our country for misleading people. We remind that .bi stands for Republic of Burundi and for nothing else.

The domain name must have a minimum of three characters. Applications for one or two characters domain may be considered with prior arrangement with registrar@nic.bi

There is no notion of property as far as a domain name is concerned. It is rather to be seen as a sub-delegation, and the sub-delegated entity is supposed to manage it in compliance with the RFC's and with the usual rules applicable to such a sub-delegation. For instance, domains should only be used for matters in connection with the sub-delegated entity's business. The name of the domain must correspond to the name of the business, or one of its marks.

BI Registry will do its best so that second-level domains are run in a fair way. BI Registry may delete a domain name without compensation, should the domain be run in an inappropriate manner or be restricted or undesirable. No auction or reselling of domain names will be accepted.

Resellers are normally not eligible for rebates.

By using a registration form, the user agrees to comply with all the present and future policies of BI Registry.

Policy on the Number of Domains

At the moment there is no limit on the number of domains any one individual or organization can hold.

Policy on Misrepresentation of Information

In the unlikely event that the BI Domain Registry chooses to verify any or all of the information on a registration application and agreement, and if it is determined that the an application and agreement contains false or substantially misleading information that application may be delayed or revoked.

In addition, all other delegations made to the party submitting the false or misleading application and agreement may also be revoked even after delegation of domain name.

Delegation of Special Sub Domains Categories

Special sub domains outside the established structure of the BI Registry may be delegated on special request and will in all cases require a justifiable reason.

Schedule of fees :
New domain name 100 EUROS for 2 years renewable
Renewal of domain name 50 EUROS for one year
Modification of data Free if done online or via a properly filled domain name template submitted electronically to registrar@nic.bi
Deletion of domain name Free if done online or via a properly filled domain name template submitted electronically to registrar@nic.bi
APPLYING FOR NEW DOMAINS
Please read the Overview and Domain Agreement before filling out the registration forms.
We register domains. We do not assign IP addresses. The application must be filled out completely in order for it to be processed. The application is available online or via electronic mail request to registrar@nic.bi
When your application has been received, you will get a copy of the application and an automated reply. If you do not receive a reply you must resubmit the form or re apply using the online registration tool. We provide some technical assistance related to the actual process of conforming to the requirements stated in this guidelines. Any support outside of this will carry a fee .
If you have any other questions, please contact us:

Physical Address :

157, Chee P L Rwagasore,
 BP 2270 Bujumbura-Burundi
E-mail: registrar@nic.bi
Phone number: +257 21 9229/+257 22 5005
Fax number: +257 22 8764


Explanation of Fields in the Domain Name Application Template

1. REGISTRATION TYPE: NEW, MODIFICATION OR CHANGING NAME OF A REGISTERED DOMAIN NAME, OR DELETION

Registration Type Instructions:

NEW: Enter NEW if this application is for a .BI Domain name that has not been previously delegated to anyone. All e-mail applications should sent to: registrar@nic.bi

MODIFY or Change Name of a registered Domain Name: Enter MODIFY if you are one of the current contacts (administrative or technical) for a .BI domain that has already been delegated and this application is to alter or update contact or server information. Please note that only the current contacts registered in our files can submit a modification application.

DELETE: Enter DELETE if you are one of the current contacts (administrative or technical) for a .BI Domain that has already been delegated and this application is a request that you no longer be responsible for administering the domain. Please note that we need zone transfers and any contact information from you before we can take back the domain.

2. If the Domain is new select a Fully Qualified Domain Name to uniquely identify you

3. ORGANIZATION INFORMATION

Organization Information Instructions:
Enter the name of the entity or organization that is being represented by the domain name being requested. This should be the name of the organization that will be using the Fully-Qualified Domain Name in section two. The organization information in section three needs to match the domain name. For example: BurundiOnline, and NOT the name of the Internet Service Provider (ISP) submitting the request.

4. DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION/DOMAIN

Description of Organization/Domain Instructions:
Please describe in a sentence the intended use of the domain name being requested in section two. For example, "Bibi Samandari personal domain name", or
"BurundiOnline Website ". Add a sentence of description. For example, "Travel Business. This is a travel and tourism website."

5. ADMINISTRATIVE CONTACT OF ORGANIZATION/DOMAIN

Administrative Contact of Organization/Domain Instructions:
Enter the name of the person who will serve as the administrative contact. This person must be from the organization that will be using the domain name, not a person from the Internet Service Provider (ISP). The administrator is the contact point for administrative and policy questions about the domain. The domain administrator should work closely with the personnel s/he has designated as the Technical Contact for the domain. That is, the Administrative Contact would be a person from the organization that is the ultimate user of the domain name, not a person from the organization running the nameserver. Specifically, when the organization using the domain name is an organization, the Administrative Contact must be an employee, not an employee of the service provider arranging the Internet connection for the organization, or the individual contracted by the organization to provide web site services. For every registration, we require complete information for the Administrative Contacts of the domain
(section 6). This is for two reasons. First, to make sure that the different functions are served. Second, just as there are two name servers required, two contacts provide redundancy for a stable and reliable system. This safeguards the function of your delegated domain as well as the .BI Domain and the Internet as a whole. The Administrative Contact should work closely with the personnel s/he has designated as the Technical Contact for the domain. That is, the Administrative Contact would be a person from the organization that is the ultimate user of the domain name, not a person from the organization running the nameserver. Include the title, mailing address (with street address, not P.O. Box), phone number (daytime, with area code), organization, and currently operational electronic mailboxes. There must be a different email address for the administrative and technical contact.
All information must be filled out. Do not use "same" or "blank". Note that the Administrative contact may not also be the technical contact unless the request is for a personal domain name or sole proprietorship businesses.

6. TECHNICAL CONTACT FOR DOMAIN

 Technical Contact for Domain Instructions:
Enter the name of the technical contact for the domain.
The technical contact handles the technical aspects of maintaining the domain's name server and resolver software, and database files. S/he keeps the name server running. More than likely, this person would be the technical contact running the primary nameserver. "There must be a knowledgeable and competent technical contact, familiar with the Internet DNS." The Technical Contact must have a good understanding of the Domain Name System and the Internet. The Technical Contact is also responsible for a thorough understanding of the BI Domain structure, policies and procedures. The REGISTRATION MAILBOX (7j) is where domain name requests received by the BI Domain Administrator will be forwarded to the delegated domain manager (the person specified here). Typical mailboxes names are: hostmaster, support, or domreg, at your organization. For every registration, we require complete contact information for Technical Contacts of the domain
(section 7). Include the title, mailing address (with street address, not P.O. Box), phone number (daytime, with area code), organization, and currently operational electronic mailboxes. There must be a different email address for the administrative and technical contact. This is for two reasons. First, to make sure that the different functions are served. Second, just as there are two name servers required, two contacts provides redundancy for a stable and reliable system. This safeguards the function of your delegated domain as well as the .BI Domain and the Internet as a whole. All information must be filled out. Do not use "same" or "blank".
Note that the technical contact must differ from the Administrative contact unless the request is for a personal domain name or sole proprietorship.

7. PRIMARY SERVER INFORMATION

Primary Server Information Instructions:
Enter the complete host name and corresponding IP address of the primary name server.
The complete host name of the primary server as well as the IP address are required. They must match. Applications will not be accepted without this information. The server must be up and running before submitting an application.

Please check that:
  • Server domain names are spelled correctly and that they are complete domain names,
  • That the IP addresses correspond correctly with the server names (e.g., do not switch primary and secondary IP addresses)
  • That a nameserver is running on the specified machines and available to answer queries (zone transfer access must be made available to 81.199.8.205 and 193.121.193.238).
Following are some guidelines regarding servers used to host the domain name:
  • Domains must provide at least two independent servers that provide the domain service for translating names to addresses for hosts in this domain. Establishing the servers in physically separate locations and on different physically separate networks is strongly recommended, and is required for third-level domains.
  • If you are applying for a domain and a network number assignment simultaneously and a host on your proposed network will be used as a server for the domain, you must wait until you receive your network number assigment and have given the server(s) a net-address before sending in the domain application.
  • To apply for an IP address, contact your service provider or if you are a service provider contact of the IP number registries.
The BI Domain Registry only registers BI Domain names.
It is your responsibility to see that an IN-ADDR pointer record is entered in the DNS database. Contact the administrator of the IP network your host is on to have this done.

8. SECONDARY SERVER INFORMATION

Secondary Server Information Instructions:
Enter the complete host name and corresponding IP address of the secondary name server. The complete host name of the secondary server as well as the correct IP address are required. They must match. Applications will not be accepted without this information. The server must be up and running before submitting an application.
Please check that:
  • Server domain names are spelled correctly and that they are complete domain names,
  • That the IP addresses correspond correctly with the server names (i.e., do not switch primary and secondary IP addresses), and
  • That a nameserver is running on the specified machines and available to answer queries (zone transfer access must be allowed to 81.199.8.205 and 193.0.0.193).
Following are some guidelines regarding servers used to host the domain name:
  • Domains must provide at least two independent servers that provide the domain service for translating names to addresses for hosts in this domain. Establishing the servers in physically separate locations and on different physically separate networks is strongly recommended, and is required for third-level domains.
    If you are applying for a domain and a network number assignment simultaneously and a host on your proposed network will be used as a server for the domain, you must wait until you receive your network number assigment and have given the server(s) a net-address before sending in the domain application.
  • To apply for an IP address, contact your service provider or if you are a service provider contact ARIN at any of the IP numbers registries.
The BI Domain Registry only registers BI Domain names.
It is your responsibility to see that an IN-ADDR pointer record is entered in the DNS database. Contact the administrator of the IP network your host is on to have this done.

9. TERTIARY SERVER INFORMATION

Tertiary Server Information Instructions:
A third name server is optional.
Enter the complete host name and corresponding IP address of the third name server.
The complete host name of the third server as well as the correct IP address are required. They must match. Applications may be accepted without this information. The server must be up and running before submitting an application.
  • Please check that
    Server domain names are spelled correctly and that they are complete domain names,
  • That the IP addresses correspond correctly with the server names (i.e., do not switch primary and secondary IP addresses), and
  • That a name server is running on the specified machines and available to answer queries (zone transfer access must be allowed to 81.199.8.x and 193.121.193.238).
Following are some guidelines regarding servers used to host the domain name:
  • Domains must provide at least two independent servers that provide the domain service for translating names to addresses for hosts in this domain. Establishing the servers in physically separate locations and on different physically separate networks is strongly recommended, and is required for third-level domains.
    o If you are applying for a domain and a network number assignment simultaneously and a host on your proposed network will be used as a server for the domain, you must wait until you receive your network number assignment and have given the server(s) a net-address before sending in the domain application.
    o To apply for an IP address, contact your service provider or if you are a service provider contact any of the IP numbers registries.
The BI Domain Registry only registers BI Domain names.
It is your responsibility to see that an IN-ADDR pointer record is entered in the DNS database. Contact the administrator of the IP network your host is on to have this done

MODIFYING OR TRANSFERING OF EXISTING DOMAIN(s)

If the person requesting the modification is not listed in our contacts or has no authorization password, then we must have an email confirmation from our listed contacts authorizing the person to make these changes.To find out the contacts for a particular domain, see our whois database.The application for modification is available at online.
If you sending an e-mail request for modification, on the application please specify "modify" in response to Q1 and the domain name that needs to be modified in response to Q2.
We must be notified of any changes in the names of the servers.
If the names of the servers remain the same but the IP addresses change you need only notify us in the case that the server is in the subdomain served (technically this is called a "glue record").
We do not provide FREE technical support for modifications. The WHOIS database is not updated immediately.. The WHOIS information for other Top Level Domains is available from their respective registries. Please use tools such as "dig" or "nslookup" for server information about these domains. The rules for transfer of the domain is same as that of modification.

WHOIS

The InterNIC has developed the RWHOIS program which supports distributed databases of WHOIS information. This allows for the reduction of queries and referral of information to be closer to the maintainer of the information.
The BI Domain Registry has installed a client/server RWHOIS protocol to support the BI Domain WHOIS information.
For more information contact registrar@nic.bi.
The data from the information you supplied on your application will be used for your WHOIS entry. Click Here to enter WHOIS Database (Whois/index.html protocol Not yet available)

WHOIS DATABASE : http://whois.nic.bi/

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
  • Who can get a BI domain name?

  • How much does it cost?

  • How do I get a BI domain name?

  • What is a name server? And where do I get an IP address?

  • Can I use the same name for my administrative and technical contact? (Yes )

  • How do I make a modification to my name servers? How can I delete my responsibility for the domain name?

  • How long does it take

  • You said my domain was registered. Why can't I see it using WHOIS?

  • Can you help me solve some technical DNS problems

  • Where do I go for more help? Can I call you?

Who can get a BI Domain name?
Anyone can register a BI Domain name. There is no restriction whatsoever.
How much does it cost?

New domain name 100 EUROS for 2 years renewable
Renewal of domain name 50 EUROS for one year
Modification of Data Free if done on-line or via filled properly filled Domain Name Template submitted electronically to registrar@nic.bi.
Deletion of Domain Name Free if done on-line or via filled properly filled Domain Name Template submitted electronically to registrar@nic.bi.

How do I get a BI Domain name?

You can apply to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or directly to us. Fill-in and submit the application form available on this Web site. Be sure to read all instructions carefully. For e-mail application, please do NOT alter the application and be sure to fill it in completely and correctly.

o Make sure that the name you are requesting follows the naming structure ("www" should not be entered as part of the domain name).

o Choose or Indicate "New" as the registration type in the application.

o Use a NIC handle if you have one

o Fill in all other lines and do not abbreviate or use words like "same as above."

o For e-mail application, Put "Request for new domain: the Fully Qualified Doman Name - FQDN" in the subject field.

o Follow the steps as indicated on the template or submit the application via email to registrar@nic.bi.

o Be sure your name servers are prepared BEFORE you submit the application.

Applications are handled automatically and it is important to follow these instructions exactly.
Every error delays your application.

What is a name server? And where do I get an IP address?

A nameserver (also called a host) is a computer that has the software and data files needed to resolve domain names to IP addresses. Your technical contact or Internet Service Provider (ISP) can explain in greater detail.

Can I use the same name for my administrative and technical contact?

Usuallly not(unless it is a personal domain name). We need two different names for the administrative and technical contacts. The administrative contact is responsible for managing the domain name; the technical contact is responsible for making it work.

How do I make a modification to my name servers? How can I delete my responsibility for the domain name?

The current administrative or technical contact must submit a modification (or deletion) application completing all fields. If you are the new ISP for a domain name, you cannot make the modifications; you must ask one of the current contacts to submit a modification.
A prerequisite to modifications and deletions are that you must allow us to access your servers for a zone transfer (not necessary for personal domain names)

1. Always put "MODIFY my-domain.subdomain category.bi" or "DELETE my-domain.subdomain-category.bi" in the subject field.

2. Choose or Designate it as "Modify" or "Delete".

How long does it take?

Usually 24 hours..
Incorrect, missing or inconsistent information will inevitably lead to delays.

You said my domain was registered. Why can't I see it using WHOIS?

WHOIS and RWHOIS are not the same as the Domain Name Systems (DNS). RWHOIS is an ancillary service created for internal use. It is not guaranteed and it is not necessary for your domain name to be functioning.

Can you help me solve some technical DNS problems?

At time yes, however be informed that the BI Domain Registry delegates .BI Domain names. If we have to get involved in resolving your DNS problems we may charge fee for that service. You are advised to have a technical contact who understands the DNS and technical issues about the Internet.

Should we be required to set-up your email service, Web hosting, IP address allocation, etc, these will have to be negotiated for separately.

See the "DNS and BIND" book by Paul Albitz and Cricket Liu (O'Reilly Books) for more information on the Domain Name System. Also see the Technical Bibliography on this Web site.

Where do I go for more help? Can I call you?

Please see the rest of this Web site for complete information on the overall naming structure of the BI Domain, instructions on obtaining, modifying, or deleting a domain name, the application used in these actions, and rules and regulations on the BI Domain name space.

You can also call our Help Desk for clarification on how to complete the process of getting your domain. Services beyond the actual process of getting your domain up and running may be negotiated and charged for separately.


 

Address: #157, Chaussée P.L.Rwagasore.Tel: +257 21 92 29 / 22 50 05. Bujumbura-BURUNDI.
© 2004 CBINET s.a