Telegram Durov says to be the biggest authenticator of tons
Telegram founder Pavel Durov said that Telegram will replace the TON Foundation as the main driving force behind The Open Network (TON) and become the largest validator, indicating a deep role for the messaging system in the blockchain ecosystem.
In a Telegram post on Monday, Durov said the ton fee had been reduced sixfold to “nearly zero” and that the next step would be to shift the network's focus to “technological dominance”. This includes a new website, new developer tools and performance improvements.
The changes are expected in the next two to three weeks, according to Durov, who described the move as a step in the plan to “make Ton great again.”
The proposed change will make Telegram's Ton infrastructure and roadmap more centralized, strengthening the connection between the blockchain network and the messaging platform that has led to the majority of consumer adoption.
It is not clear what role the Ton Foundation will play after the transition, how Telegram's authenticating position will be structured, and whether the company will disclose details such as authenticating share or network authenticating share.
Cointelegraph reached out to Ton for additional information, but did not receive a response by press time.
Toncoin 24-hour price chart. Source: CoinGecko
Crypto traders have responded positively that Telegram will take a large share of business in the ton. According to CoinGecko data, Toncoin (Ton) has risen by 33.8% to $1.86 in the last 24 hours after Durov's post.
Telegram constantly expands the integration of tons
The latest announcement builds on the previous merger by moving Telegram's role from product distribution and payment channels to network infrastructure.
By 2024, Durov has announced that Telegram Ton and TonCoin will use 50% of the ad revenue on their Telegram channels for ad revenue sharing transactions and payment to channel owners.
Related: Telegram founder links tax data leaks to crypto raids in France
In January 2025, the Tone Foundation announced that it had expanded its partnership with Telegram, making Tone Connect the exclusive wallet communication protocol for Telegram mini-apps.
Telegram's blockchain guidelines also require mini-apps running on other blockchains to migrate to Ton by February 2025, migrating smart contracts and using only Ton Connect.
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