[duskwuff]

> can't someone start a CCTLD (it's only $250K)

No, they can't. ccTLDs are associated with countries. There's no process for creating one that doesn't involve having IANA recognize you as a country.

You're probably thinking of the new gTLD process, which has only been open for applications once, for a brief period in 2012. It's not open to new applications, and the process for applicants was much more involved than a single payment.

[dc396]

ICANN says the next round will happen in 2026.

[EGreg]

Do you have more information on this? If you can link to it, that would be great. How much would it cost this time around?

[vasco]

https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/next-round

[swores]

Thanks for that link, and to (not-)answer GP's question on price:

> "While the application fee has not been determined, it will be set on a cost-recovery basis. The fee will ensure that the next round of the New gTLD Program is fully funded and does not require funds from ICANN's operating budget. As a point of reference, the application fee for the 2012 round of the New gTLD Program was US$185,000."

From the FAQ page for the next round of gTLD sales, via the link shared above: https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/announcements-and-media/announ...