Stephen Fry has become the first owner of a .uk domain

British icon and tech enthusiast Stephen Fry has become the first person to make the switch from a .co.uk domain to a .uk one, and you can now get one too, as the website ending has been launched today.

With research revealing that three quarters of British internet users prefer sites ending in .uk when searching or buying online, the introduction of ‘example.uk’ will allow individuals and businesses a more succinct web address, comparable to what is available internationally in the likes of Germany’s .de  and France’s .fr.

In honour of the shorter domain launch, UK domain registry Nominet has rolled out the world’s largest welcome sign, greeting visitors as they get to the main runway at London Heathrow airport. 40% larger than the Hollywood sign, it’s visible from as high as 35,000 feet, and measuring nearly 10,000 square feet.

Eleanor Bradley, Chief Operating Officer of Nominet said: “The new .uk is for people who want a short, memorable domain with the popular and trusted .uk ending. We know this combination appeals to our tech-savvy, digitally-engaged population. We can’t wait to deliver this addition to the UK namespace and continue to build its contribution to the UK’s digital economy.”

You can sign up for the new .uk domains, priced at £5 for two years, through domain name registrars, alongside existing domains such as .co.uk or .org.uk.