ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers has approved the creation of a new Top Level Domain (TLD) for use on the Internet - .tel. The new domain name is aimed primarily at telecoms providers.

"The days of needing to remember several telephone numbers, numerous VoIP or instant message identities and other points of contact for our social and professional networks are over. By leveraging innovative DNS (Domain Name System) technology, the .Tel domain will allow anyone to publish and control, in real time, how they can be reached."

The .Tel domain will enable people to reach a business from any Internet enabled device (computer or mobile) simply by typing, for example, "Hertz.tel". The user will then be able to connect directly to a Hertz representative or navigate through a list of services that Hertz may offer. Businesses can easily extend their brands into this new space and enhance the way customer inquiries are handled.

In addition, individuals can use the .Tel domain to publish and update their contact information directly in the DNS. These individuals will decide, in real time, by what means their friends and colleagues will be able to reach them. This could include: VoIP, conventional telephony (fixed-line or wireless), email, SMS, Skype, AIM and many more.

ICANN has awarded the management of the .tel domain name to the UK-based Telnic.