Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, has announced that the messaging giant will take on a central role in The Open Network (TON) by becoming the blockchain’s primary validator. With this move, Telegram is set to deepen its involvement in the blockchain ecosystem, marking a major leap in its blockchain strategy. Durov made the declaration on Telegram on Monday, noting that transaction fees on TON have been slashed by a factor of six to nearly zero. He emphasized that the network will now prioritize “technological superiority,” with plans that include a new website, advanced developer tools, and performance enhancements.
Telegram’s increasing influence over TON
By assuming the principal stewardship of TON’s infrastructure from the TON Foundation, Telegram is positioning itself at the core of the blockchain’s ecosystem. This transition will further solidify the integration between Telegram and the TON network, seen as a strategic step likely to boost user adoption. However, key questions remain, including the future role of the TON Foundation, specifics about how Telegram’s validator position will be structured, and how much of the network Telegram will oversee. No official announcements have yet clarified these details.
While Cointelegraph reached out to sources close to TON for comment, no responses have been issued so far. Nevertheless, the expansion of Telegram’s operational presence in TON has been positively received by the crypto community. Following the announcement, Toncoin soared by 33.8 percent over the last 24 hours, reaching $1.86. According to CryptoAppsy data, this surge is directly attributed to Telegram’s new plans for TON.
Upcoming technology upgrades
The changes announced by Telegram are expected to be rolled out over the next two to three weeks. Durov underlined that this move forms a key element of the effort to “make TON great again.” New initiatives will include the launch of a refreshed website, the introduction of new tools for developers, and overall improvements to network performance. Unlike previous phases where Telegram mainly utilized TON for product distribution and payments, the upcoming infrastructure integration is regarded as a pivotal moment in the project’s evolution.
Back in 2024, Durov announced that Telegram would enable ad revenue sharing and payment processing using Toncoin. This initiative allows channel operators to receive 50 percent of revenue generated from ads displayed in their channels. Additionally, a January 2025 statement from the TON Foundation clarified that the TON Connect protocol would become the exclusive wallet connection for Telegram Mini Apps.
Mandatory migration for mini apps
Under the current rules outlined in Telegram’s blockchain documentation, all existing Mini Apps on the platform are required to migrate from other blockchains to TON by February 2025. Developers must move their smart contracts and exclusively use TON Connect for wallet integrations. This mandate further elevates TON’s role within the broader Telegram ecosystem.
Pavel Durov, in his message, highlighted a sixfold drop in transaction fees on TON and said the next phase will focus on technological innovation. Upcoming steps include new developer tools, an updated website, and performance-oriented upgrades.
Collectively, these developments signal Telegram’s determined advance into blockchain and Web3 domains. Still, specifics regarding the future responsibilities of the TON Foundation and Telegram’s share in validation remain to be clarified in the coming period.
From the user perspective, deeper integration between Telegram and Toncoin is bringing notable volatility both to the network and the wider crypto markets. The sharp post-announcement spike in Toncoin’s price underscores the heightened level of investor interest.
