Specifically: Because the .mu registry (TLD operator) is a ccTLD, it can re-price any domain at any time.

This is a follow up to: https://programming.dev/post/27587527.

Conclusion:
Carefully read the terms and conditions if you choose to register a ccTLD. They are not bound by the ICANN Registry Agreement.

Gandi contacted the .mu registry about the price increase, and the registry has assigned premium pricing to all 2-character and 3-character domains regardless of whether they’re premium or not. This would not be allowed if .mu was a gTLD. The .mu registry will not be grandfathering any domains registered and continually renewed since before premium domains were invented. I have reached out to the .mu TLD registry directly, and I am waiting to see if my personal plea will sway them. If they don’t change their minds, I’ll lose this domain on Tuesday.

Timeline:
I went to renew my domain about two weeks before it expiring, and discovered the renewal price went from $170 to $5,600 (or 32 years price for just one year). Usually, I do this much sooner, but my life has been crazy. Even three weeks ago I was barely functioning because of a sinus infection.

I contacted Gandi, my registrar, and at first they were less than helpful. Eventually, they did escalate my ticket to their legal department who contacted the .mu registry.

Gandi informed me that the .mu registry reclassified all 2-character and 3-character domains as premium. Gandi was not notified of the change, so that explains why I was not notified. Gandi said they do not agree with the reclassification of these domains—including mine. But, unfortunately, it’s not up to Gandi. They requested that the .mu registry reconsider but have had no reply.

I then emailed ICANN about this because I was under the impression that the Registry Agreement governed all registries, and the reclassification is clearly a breach of the agreement. Unfortunately, ICANN let me know that this agreement doesn’t apply to ccTLDs.

I have now sent an email directly to the .mu registry, hoping that a personal plea may make a difference.

I am not optimistic. In the end, I will probably lose the domain. I will make sure to complain about .mu domains as much as possible if I lose it. I will also be weary of registering any ccTLDs in the future. I only have a couple.

It’s been a wild ride. Many points where I was almost hopeful, but it’s probably just another case of the little guy getting screwed, and the big guy too rich to care.