The annual price of China's primary domain name 'cn' has fallen from 120 yuan (US$15) to 56 yuan (US$7), Beijing-based The First reported on Monday.

 

The huge popularity of the 'cn' domain name is the reason for the price reduction. The report, quoting experts in the field, said 'cn' was the first domain name choice for terminal users. The number of 'cn' users climbed above 1 million in 2005.

 

It's being suggested that the continued steep growth of registration in an ever expanding marketplace could bring even further reductions. 

 

A large number of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and ordinary consumers recognized the practical value of the 'cn' domain name. In fact some enterprises gift business associates with 'cn' domain names, The First reported.

 

In a not too serious fashion it's been claimed the domain name 'honeyILoveYou.cn' was the "only honey domain name in the world" and the "best way to express your love in 2006" on eBay. The price at auction had reached 5,600 yuan (US$696), reported the publication.

 

It's being suggested that the lower price of 'cn' domain names will simply increase the appetite of consumers. As the market continues to expand the price of 'cn' domain names is likely to continue to fall, which could lead to interesting adaptions of the 'cn' domain name, according to The First report.

 

(China.org.cn by Zhang Yunxing, February 18, 2006)