Automattic acquires WebHosting.com domain for WordPress hosting

Automattic, the parent company of WordPress, has acquired the domain WebHosting.com from telecommunications provider AT&T. The purchase marks Automattic’s entry into the web hosting space, targeting WordPress users who may seek integrated hosting solutions for their websites. The domain, which had been registered under AT&T’s ownership for years, was recently transferred to Automattic’s registrar, MarkMonitor, with Automattic listed as the new registrant.

For now, WebHosting.com displays a "coming soon" landing page, suggesting that Automattic is preparing to launch a hosting platform under the domain. Historically, the domain redirected to AT&T’s web hosting subdomain but had not been actively used in recent years. Automattic’s acquisition aligns with its strategy of expanding its ecosystem of WordPress-related services, which already includes popular tools like Jetpack.

What happened

The domain WebHosting.com was transferred from AT&T to Automattic within the last week, according to historic Whois records. The domain is now registered under Automattic’s name, and the company has placed a temporary landing page on the site. While the exact terms of the acquisition remain undisclosed, the transaction was likely conducted privately. AT&T may disclose the sale in a future SEC filing, though no such filing has been made public as of this report.

Automattic’s move to acquire WebHosting.com reflects its broader ambition to consolidate services for WordPress users. The company already offers a range of products, including Jetpack for security and performance, but has not previously operated a dedicated web hosting platform. The acquisition of a high-value domain like WebHosting.com suggests Automattic aims to establish a recognizable brand in the hosting space, potentially competing with existing WordPress-focused hosting providers.

Why it matters

The acquisition signals Automattic’s intent to expand beyond software and plugins into infrastructure services. For WordPress users, this could mean a more integrated experience, with hosting, security, and performance tools all under one provider. Automattic’s existing user base—millions of WordPress site operators—represents a built-in market for the new hosting platform, which could drive significant revenue growth for the company.

For the broader hosting industry, Automattic’s entry introduces a new competitor with deep ties to the WordPress ecosystem. Hosting providers specializing in WordPress may face increased pressure to differentiate their offerings, particularly if Automattic leverages its existing tools to create a seamless, all-in-one solution. The move also highlights the value of premium domains in establishing brand credibility, as Automattic secures a domain name that directly communicates its new service.

What to watch

Professionals in the hosting and WordPress ecosystems should monitor Automattic’s next steps with WebHosting.com. Key developments to watch include:

• The launch of the hosting platform, including pricing, features, and integration with existing Automattic products like Jetpack.
• Any partnerships or acquisitions Automattic pursues to bolster its hosting infrastructure, such as collaborations with data center providers or CDN services.
• AT&T’s potential disclosure of the sale in an SEC filing, which could provide insight into the financial terms of the acquisition.

Automattic’s expansion into hosting could also prompt responses from competitors, such as pricing adjustments or feature enhancements, as the market adapts to the new entrant.