New generic top-level domain .WED demonstrates all signs of really bad state. The domain is placed under EBERO (Emergency Back-End Registry Operator). This is ICANN's program designed for registries that are not able to support the functioning of new generic top-level domains that have already been added to the root zone. Domain Incite reports that this is exactly what happened with .WED. In the end of November the contract between .WED and CoCCA, which was domain zone's technical operator, expired. The registry couldn't conclude a new contract. Nominet has become a temporary technical operator of the domain zone under EBERO.
.WED has become the first commercial gTLD placed under EBERO. Previously, the same fate befell several dot-brands; however, there were no active domain names registered in them. The number of domain names .WED peaked at 300 in March 2016, but at the moment there are around 40. Analysts link the deplorable state of affairs in the domain with the failure of the business model itself. The registration fee is $50; however, its renewal after two years will cost $30 thousand. It was assumed that this model would stimulate short-term registrations and reuse of the same domain names by other registrants. It's already quite obvious that this idea has failed.
