Starting next year, the internet will welcome a new URL ending: .swiss. The patriotic domain names will be reserved for companies based in Switzerland or with a close connection to the country.

On Wednesday, the cabinet updated the rules for internet domains, effective July 1, 2015. Those interested in a .swiss address will have to apply via the Federal Office of Communications. According to the office, internet addresses ending in .swiss have to “promote and strengthen the interests of the Swiss community”.

However, domain names ending in .ch – available via numerous providers – will still be up for grabs on a first-come, first-serve basis regardless of Swissness. “CH” stands for Confoederatio Helvetica, the Latin name for Switzerland. However, there is nothing to stop any interested parties from reserving a domain name with the .ch ending.

It is unclear how much it will cost to obtain and keep a .swiss domain name. The authorities are in the process of revising the administrative mandate.

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