Tucows, a leading internet services provider, has landed a high-stakes contract to manage India’s .IN domain registry, marking one of the most significant transitions in domain registry history. The company takes over from GoDaddy, the previous service provider, and will oversee the migration of approximately four million domain names. This move solidifies Tucows’ position as a dominant player in the domain industry while setting a new benchmark for large-scale domain transitions.
The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) has entrusted Tucows with handling the technical operations of .IN domains, ensuring seamless registration and management for millions of Indian websites. The transition is expected to be a complex undertaking, requiring meticulous execution to prevent disruptions.
Tucows CEO Elliot Noss, speaking during the company’s latest earnings call, emphasized the company’s commitment to a smooth migration, revealing that a dedicated team in India is already in place to oversee the process. While the financial terms of the contract remain undisclosed, industry analysts estimate its value to be around $10 million over five years.
Tucows’ successful bid for the .IN registry marks a significant milestone, surpassing the previous record set in 2018 when Afilias (now Identity Digital) migrated 3.1 million .AU domains. This achievement not only strengthens Tucows’ credibility in the domain registry market but also positions it favorably for future high-profile contracts.
Despite reporting a net loss of $45.3 million in Q4 2024—largely due to a one-time impairment charge related to its Ting Internet division—Tucows’ domain business remained resilient. Revenue from domain services grew by 6% in the last quarter, reaching $65.7 million, while full-year domain revenue saw a 5% increase. The company also witnessed a 36% jump in revenue from value-added services, particularly from selling expired domains.
Winning the .IN contract provides Tucows with both financial and strategic advantages. Beyond the immediate revenue, the deal bolsters the company’s reputation as a capable registry operator, increasing its chances of securing similar contracts in the future. Successfully managing such a large-scale migration will serve as proof of Tucows’ technical expertise and operational efficiency in handling critical internet infrastructure.
As the company prepares for this historic transition, industry observers will closely watch how Tucows navigates the complexities of migrating millions of domains. If executed smoothly, this achievement could open doors to more lucrative registry management deals, further solidifying Tucows’ standing in the global domain industry.
