Telegram founder Pavel Durov said that Telegram will replace the TON Foundation as the main driving force of The Open Network (TON) and become its largest validator, signaling a deeper operational role for the messaging platform in the blockchain ecosystem.
In a Monday post on Telegram, Durov he said TON fees have dropped six-fold to “almost zero” and that the next step will be to shift the network’s focus to “technological superiority.” This includes a up-to-date website, up-to-date developer tools, and performance improvements.
According to Durov, who described the move as a step in the “Make TON Great Again” plan, the changes are expected in the next two to three weeks.
The planned change will make Telegram a central part of TON’s infrastructure and roadmap, tightening the link between the blockchain network and the messaging platform that has largely driven its consumer adoption.
It is unclear what role the TON Foundation will play after the transition, how Telegram’s validator position will be structured, and whether the company will disclose details such as validator participation or involvement in network validation.
Cointelegraph reached out to TON for additional information but did not receive a response via publication.
24-hour Toncoin price chart. Source: CoinGecko
Cryptocurrency traders have responded positively to the prospect of Telegram taking on a greater operational role in TON. CoinGecko data showed that after Durov’s post, Toncoin (TON) has increased by 33.8% to $1.86 in the last 24 hours.
Telegram is constantly developing TON integrations
The latest announcement builds on previous integrations and shifts Telegram’s role from product distribution and payment rails to network infrastructure.
I 2024, Durov announced that Telegram will utilize TON and Toncoin for ad revenue sharing transactions and payments to channel owners who receive 50% of the ad revenue displayed on their Telegram channels.
Related: Telegram founder links tax data leak to augment in cryptocurrency hijackings in France
In January 2025, the TON Foundation he said has expanded its partnership with Telegram, making TON Connect the exclusive wallet connection protocol for the Telegram Mini app.
Telegram’s blockchain guidelines also say that existing Mini applications running on other blockchains must migrate to TON by February 2025, including by migrating clever contracts and exclusively using TON Connect.
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