.com domains remain the top choice for millions of website owners worldwide — whether for business purposes, personal portfolios, or other digital projects. However, behind this popularity, domain prices continue to experience yearly adjustments. Since September 1, 2024, Verisign — the official operator of the .com domain — has increased its wholesale price to USD 10.26 per year. This increase is part of an agreement between Verisign and ICANN, which allows price adjustments of up to 7% per year during specific contract periods.
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Since 2021, .com domain prices have risen by around 30% compared to previous years. However, Verisign confirmed that for the 2025–2026 period, the wholesale rate will remain stable at USD 10.26. In other words, there will be no official increase for the next two years. Still, that doesn’t mean the total domain cost will stop rising entirely. ICANN plans to raise its annual contribution fee to USD 0.20 per domain starting July 1, 2025, up from USD 0.18. While the increase seems small, it will still affect the final retail price paid by users through their respective registrars.
Impact on the Indonesian Domain Market
In Indonesia, registrars such as Rumahweb, Niagahoster, and Qwords have already adjusted their prices according to the fluctuating dollar exchange rate. For example, Rumahweb raised its .com domain fee from IDR 185,000 to IDR 190,000 per year in April 2025. Although the increase is relatively small, it highlights how domain registration costs can change at any time, depending on exchange rates and provider policies.
For business website owners or online stores, the best strategy is to renew domains for several years at once. This not only protects digital identity from expiration risks but also helps lock in the current price before the next adjustment. Many registrars now offer multi-year renewal options of up to 10 years at a fixed rate — a more efficient approach in the long term.
Criticism Toward Verisign’s Market Dominance
The rise in .com domain prices has not escaped criticism, especially in the United States. Industry observers argue that Verisign holds excessive dominance since it manages the world’s most popular domain extension. With over 160 million active .com domains, Verisign’s pricing policy directly influences the global ecosystem. Although ICANN acts as the regulatory authority, many believe the current contract structure — allowing annual increases of up to 7% — is overly favorable to Verisign.
Practical Steps for Domain Owners
Even though users cannot control pricing policies, there are proactive steps to take. Beyond renewing domains for longer periods, users should regularly check registrar emails for upcoming price adjustment notices. It’s also essential to keep WHOIS and payment information updated to avoid losing ownership due to late renewals.
Ultimately, the rise in .com domain prices underscores the importance of financial awareness in managing digital assets. As the digital economy grows and the demand for relevant domain names increases, ownership costs are expected to keep adjusting in the coming years. However, with careful planning and long-term purchasing strategies, website owners can maintain both cost stability and a sustainable online presence.