Why do you have to buy domain names from websites?

Question:

Well I found out that you have to buy domain names for websites off different websites. But I’m confused as to why a website gets to charge you.. Are they in charge of the internet or something? Please help clear up all my confusion. Thanks:)

What I don’t understand is that the internet is just like a massive network, nobody owns it right. So then if no one owns it why do I have to buy a website name off someone? See where my confusion is now? haha thanks for the help though

Answer:

The internet is a massive network of infrastructure consisting of computers, routers, switches, optic fiber, etc. So yea, someone owns all that equipment and they are charging others to connect to it from data centers, domain name registrars, web hosting companies, internet service providers, etc. The internet is not free. It’s no different than a cell phone company.

Domain names are not free, either. Someone has to manage them. That someone is the ICANN, an organization responsible for assigning names to numbers so they can be accessed on the internet.

You buy a domain name from a domain name registrar and they register it with ICANN. Or, you can buy a domain name from a web hosting company (not a good idea because it costs more) and they will register it with a registrar who in turn registers it with ICANN.

Get HostGator with cPanel Control Panel, unlimited web space and bandwidth. Host unlimited domains on a single account. A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Click here to save 25% with HostGator Coupon Code: HGFOR25LESS