Ton is paving the way for the future of crypto.

The road to tech giants embracing blockchain is fraught with failure. After three messy years and an almighty backlash, see Meta abandoning plans to launch Diem stablecoin.

But there are bright spots – and many more promising projects. The Open Network (TON) – formerly known as the Telegram Open Network – was built to power one of the most popular messaging apps around the world. Although Telegram backed off due to regulatory issues, an independent community stepped in to continue the adoption and development of this layer-1 network. Ton was born.

After years of poor interfaces and limited use cases, Ton is achieving something the industry has long dreamed of: allowing users to seamlessly interact with blockchain and cryptocurrency. And only by exploring how this infrastructure can make the world a better place.

Table of Contents

Toggle

Why TON may be the ultimate solution for crypto adoption.

Tons more important is how the platform has begun to diversify beyond messaging. Drawing inspiration from the Chinese giant WeChat, it is starting to look like a “super app” that provides everything the user needs in one place. Restaurants can now build “mini-apps” that make their websites obsolete in Telegram, providing customers with easy access to services, while developers in other industries have unparalleled flexibility with JavaScript.

Related: Telegram's Pavel Durov is wrong about Signal – and has been for years

The fact that these small apps boast integrated payment solutions is especially important given how it can help make crypto transactions more formal than ever before. Ton's integration helps ensure that each and every payment is transparent and unmissable. Telegram has been a hub for crypto enthusiasts since its early days, but the app has now crossed over into the mainstream consciousness — made all the more impressive by the fact that it did little marketing.

Here's a key barrier to entry that's breaking down: ensuring consumers and merchants no longer have to throw away long, confusing alphanumeric wallets. Countless crypto platforms have struggled to gain widespread market traction because they have poor user experience and only appeal to enthusiasts already in the space. Telegram, on the other hand, is creating a storefront for digital assets within its most widely used app, and developing an ecosystem that allows users to do more than just message when they're ready to do so.

A big part of this puzzle is making sure that the blockchain infrastructure that powers these crypto payments is compatible and scalable. It wouldn't be a disaster if Telegram's flash was marred by slow and expensive transfers. Ton Network solves this by offering fast transactions with low fees – expanding cross-border payments and Telegram can bring Web3 services to the masses without controlling user funds.

RELATED: CBDCs' independence threat put under microscope at Oslo conference

All of this is an irresistible opportunity for developers who are well versed in releasing mini-apps on WeChat. There are tons of similarities and opportunities to reach a diverse and engaged audience when building on Tons. The growing number of small apps in Telegram creates a positive feedback loop – drawing more users in and prompting more businesses to want a piece of the action.

The challenges ahead

While Ton joining Telegram means it is in a strong position to become a major blockchain, this journey has not been – and will continue to be – without its challenges. Fragmentation and the creation of silos between networks is a long-term issue, and sustainable relationships with other blockchains must be built in order for this super app to be enjoyed and trusted by a wide range of users. While work is being done to create connections between Telegram and EVM-compatible networks, the focus on single tokens fuels this isolation.

A common motto in developer circles is “build it and they will come”. Telegram is said to be one of the world's biggest apps, but it's a little different here. Armed with tons of features, it should focus on making crypto payments as easy as messaging — and encouraging them to try new features without alienating existing users.

This article is not intended for general information purposes and should not be construed as legal or investment advice. The views, ideas and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.