After a domain expires, the time period before the domain is released
to the public varies depending on the registrar that manages the domain
name.
If your domain was registered by WinHost
The registrar for domains registered by WinHost is
Tucows/OpenSRS. In February of 2006 Tucows/OpenSRS began retaining some
expired names that, in the past, would have been deleted. They place
advertising sites on the domains (they refer to this as their "Parking
Program"), or list them in auctions. There are no strict rules or
guidelines regarding which domains are retained and which are deleted,
nor for how long a domain will be "parked" by Tucows/OpenSRS before it
is deleted.
For that reason
we cannot recommend waiting for a domain to be deleted and attempting to re-register it, as the domain may not be deleted for a long period of time, and is subject to possible sale to a third party.
Domains that are "parked" or listed in auctions by Tucows/OpenSRS may
still be retrievable, but additional Redemption Period fees must be
paid. These fees are imposed by the registrar, not WinHost.
Please contact us if you wish to retrieve a domain that is in
Redemption Period or "parked" by Tucows/OpenSRS.
Note: Tucows/OpenSRS cannot address your requests or questions
directly. Please contact WinHost for any information regarding
domain names that we registered on your behalf.
Article ID: 518, Created On: 8/10/2009, Modified: 4/21/2011