Web hosting provider 1&1 Internet announced on Thursday that it is offering .info domains free for one year.

“As fewer .com domains are available, it is important to give people the flexibility and alternatives they need to still have the Web identity that’s best for them,” says 1&1 chairman Andreas Gauger. “This offer will allow more small businesses and individuals alike to make their distinct mark on the Internet.”

1&1 says Web users are increasingly adopting .info domains as an addition or alternative to .com addresses. One recent report showed that nearly 70 percent of the world’s largest brands such as MTV, BMW, Gap and Coca-Cola have maintain .info addresses.

While some 2 million .info domains have been registered worldwide, Gauger says there are still plenty up for grabs.

Established in 1992, 1&1 hosts more than 5 million domain names on its 30,000 servers that run in its four data centers.