Connect West breaches Registrar Agreement

Posted by Jo Lim on 3 August 2006

auDA has found that Connect West Pty Ltd, an accredited registrar, breached the Registrar Agreement by failing to properly manage domain name renewals during June and July 2006.

Connect West sent incorrect renewal notices, or did not send a renewal notice at all, for approximately 500 domain names that were due to expire on 1 July 2006.

Under clause 3.4 of the Registrar Agreement, Connect West warrants to auDA that it continues to meet the accreditation criteria (including providing adequate customer support and billing services) during the term of the Agreement. auDA has determined that Connect West's failure to properly manage domain name renewals breaches this warranty.

Connect West has since sent out correct renewal notices to all affected registrants, and has undertaken to conduct a comprehensive review of its billing procedures and systems to ensure that registrants receive timely and accurate renewal advice. Connect West is also required to provide auDA with updated information regarding its ability to meet the registrar accreditation criteria.