Below is the official response from CIRA on this issue: =========================================================
As a result of Canada Post's announcement that, effective October 21, 2002, Newfoundland and Labrador will be recognized by the postal symbol NL, CIRA will no longer accept .nf registrations. This change will be implemented as of December 3, 2002. Registrants of existing .nf domain names will be able to keep them and will be able to register the equivalent .nl domain names without having to use the Conflicting Domain Process. Given the .nf domain will remain active, although no new registrations will be accepted, there will be no UPGRADING of .nf to .nl domains by the registry. Registrars should note the following points which apply to this: - No new registrations of .nf domains will be accepted as of December 3, 2002. - Registrations of .nl domains will be accepted as of December 3, 2002. - .nf domains can be renewed (adding years) as per standard procedures. - .nf domains will be transferable between registrars as per standard procedures. - .nf domains will NOT be transferable between registrants. - Adding the matching .nl name to the same CIRA profile (xyz.nf.ca exists and the same registrant wishes to add xyz.nl.ca to its profile) - If there is no conflict with any other name in the .ca registry (As per the above example there would not exist an xyz.ca or xyz.on.ca entry) the registrar can simply add xyz.nl.ca to the existing profile with the standard registration procedure. - If there is a conflict. Submit the registration request with the MANUAL VERIFICATION flag set. Registry staff will approve these without requesting permission of any of the conflicting domains. This will remain in effect until June 11, 2003 - after which standard Rules will apply i.e. permission will be required from registrants holding conflicting domain names. =========================================================
