The History of the .EC Domain: A Journey Through Ecuador’s Web

The .ec domain is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) assigned to Ecuador, a country located in South America.
Like many other ccTLDs, .ec was introduced to support the online presence of local entities and promote the digital identity of the country. The registration of .ec domains is managed by the National Internet Registry (NIC Ecuador), which ensures secure and regulated access to online resources for businesses, institutions, and individuals.

The history of the .ec domain dates back to the 1990s when Ecuador began developing its internet infrastructure.
Over the years, the .ec domain has become a symbol of digital identity for the Ecuadorian community, making it a preferred choice for local businesses and government organizations that wish to operate with a clear and recognizable presence online.
Domain Registration Rules for .EC

Registering a .ec domain follows specific guidelines set by NIC Ecuador. Here are some of the main requirements for registering a .ec domain:

Who can register a .ec domain?

Individuals and businesses: Both residents and non-residents of Ecuador can register .ec domains. This allows flexibility, enabling anyone around the world to register a domain with this extension, as long as they comply with the registry’s rules.

Allowed names:

Domain names must consist of letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), and hyphens (-). However, they cannot begin or end with a hyphen. The minimum length for a domain is 3 characters, and the maximum length is 63 characters.

Required documentation:

For legal entities (businesses or organizations), documents like the tax identification number may be required. Individuals will need to provide a copy of their identification document.

Registration duration:

.ec domains can be registered for a period ranging from 1 to 5 years. The domain can be renewed before expiration, but it’s important to keep track of the renewal date to avoid losing the domain.

Restrictions:

There are restrictions on domains related to sensitive content, such as those that violate laws or ethical standards.

How to Obtain the Authinfo Code for a .EC Domain

The Authinfo code is an authorization code used to transfer a domain from one registrar to another.
This code is essential when you wish to transfer your .ec domain between different registrars or make critical changes. Here’s how to obtain it:

Log into your account: Visit your registrar's website (the entity that registered your .ec domain) and log into your account.

Find the domain management section: Once logged in, navigate to the section where you can manage your domain. 
There should be an option to obtain the Authinfo code.

Request the code: 

Click on the transfer or “authorization for transfer” section, and request the Authinfo code. It will either be sent to your email or displayed directly in your account page.

Contact the registrar if needed: 

If you can't find the Authinfo code in your control panel, you can always contact your registrar’s support team to request it.

Registry Website

The National Internet Registry (NIC Ecuador) is the official authority responsible for assigning .ec domains. For more information or to start registering your domain, you can visit the registry’s official website:

Website: www.nic.ec

On the website, you’ll find all the necessary details about domain registration, renewal, and management, along with policies and guidelines for using the domain in Ecuador.