In January of this year, dotMobi announced that it is making available .mobi domain names with one and two alphanumeric characters, such as q.mobi, k9.mobi, 13.mobi or ny.mobi. These short names are highly sought after by companies who want to extend their brand with brief, memorable Web addresses. Fifth Third Bank is among the very first innovative banking brands to do so, extending services available on their existing Web site, 53.com, to the mobile phone.

Fifth Third Bank launched its mobile banking service in select markets beginning in February and continues to roll out the service throughout its 12-state footprint during the month of March. With Fifth Third Mobile Banking, customers can use their mobile phones to view information such as account balances and pending & posted transactions, to transfer funds, and to find Fifth Third ATMs and branch locations. Those who enroll also can sign up to receive text alerts regarding balance levels, statement availability and more. With 53.mobi, Fifth Third Bank joins other leading financial institutions in providing their customers with mobile sites to handle their "on the go" banking needs.

"We understand the importance of providing our customers with options when it comes to researching and servicing their accounts," said Paul Moore, vice president and director of Alternative Delivery for Fifth Third Bank. "We are pleased not only to offer this next step in convenience, enabling customers to bank whenever and wherever they want, but also to do so with an address and site consistent with 53.com."

dotMobi is one of the very few registries who have made one and two character names available. These short domain names give brands an upper hand in supporting mobile phone users who do not want to type long URL addresses into their phone browser for viewing mobile content.

"Since we announced the availability of one and two character .mobi domains, we have been approached by an exciting number of strong brands looking to provide consumers with high-quality mobile content," said Trey Harvin, CEO of dotMobi.

"The Fifth Third Bank example of 53.mobi shows how a brand strongly rooted in using a two-character domain name - like 53.com - can easily go mobile, and utilize dotMobi's tools, resources, and marketing reach."

Companies can submit their interest in a one or two character .mobi domain by visiting dotmobi.mobi/onechar. dotMobi responds to requests from interested brands that provide specific concepts for the .mobi domain requested.

All formal applicants will then be required to complete a proposal and contract process.