Using a mobile to view websites on the Internet will get easier as they get a Net home of their own.

Sites using the .mobi Top Level Domain will have to follow a style guide ensuring they are optimised for smartphones.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which oversees the Internet’s addressing system, put its stamp of approval for the .mobi application on 11 July. This will make it easier for users of mobile devices such as handsets and handheld computers to find and browse for information via the WWW.

mTLD Top Level Domain Ltd, will operate under the consensus policy set by ICANN for allocating and running domain name services for the .mobi domain. mTLD Top Level Domain Ltd is a joint venture between Hutchison 3, GSM Association, Ericsson, Microsoft, Nokia, Samsung Electronics, Syniverse Technologies, TIM, Telefonica Moviles, T-Mobile and Vodafone and was formed to create a registry service to the .mobi domain.

“.mobi will indicate to consumer and enterprise users that the site they are visiting is optimised for the delivery of content and services to mobile devices. This quality assurance will attract users, stimulating Internet-based mobile data usage,” said Ameet Shah, Chairperson of the Board.

Currently it’s estimated the first domain names will be available during the first half of 2006, starting with a 90 day sunrise period, allowing corporations with trademark validated names to secure a second-level .mobi domain. Generic second level domain names will be available on a first come, first served basis, after the sunrise period.