The .london string has sussessfully passed the Initial Evaluation phase. London & Partners, the future registry of the new top-level domain, expects it to roll out in phases starting early 2014.
The domain is classified by ICANN as "geographical", which means that to be approved, the application requires government support. The Federation of Small Businesses, Transport for London and London boroughs, as well as the British capital's mayor, have all expressed interest in the "dot-city" TLD.
London & Partners, the official promotional body for London, said the domain would be used to "boost the city's online identity and create a valuable revenue stream". Profits from the sale of the .london name would be invested back into the city.
Boris Johnson, the mayor of London, said: "Acquiring the .london online suffix is an exciting way we can reinforce our position as a world-leading digital innovator. Using this virtual moniker will offer the ultimate association with the greatest city on earth, which in turn will generate a valuable revenue stream to invest back into London".
