Telegram to Become Toncoin Largest Validator

Pavel Durov announced that Telegram plans to step in as the primary force behind The Open Network, effectively replacing the TON Foundation and becoming the network’s largest validator.

In a Monday Telegram post, Durov said transaction fees on TON had dropped significantly, describing them as “nearly zero,” and outlined the next phase of development focused on “tech superiority.” Planned updates include a redesigned website, new developer tools, and performance improvements.

The rollout is expected to take place over the next two to three weeks, with Durov framing the transition as part of a broader initiative to “Make TON Great Again.”

Deeper integration between Telegram and TON

The shift would position Telegram at the core of TON’s infrastructure and long-term roadmap, strengthening the connection between the blockchain network and the messaging platform that has played a major role in its adoption.

However, several details remain unclear, including the future role of the TON Foundation, how Telegram’s validator position will be structured, and whether the company will disclose information such as its staking share or validation capacity.

Following the announcement, market reaction appeared positive. Data from CoinGecko showed that Toncoin surged 33.8% over 24 hours to $1.86.

Ongoing expansion of TON within Telegram

The latest development builds on Telegram’s gradual expansion of TON integrations, moving beyond distribution and payment use cases toward a more foundational role in the network.

In 2024, Durov revealed that Telegram would use TON and Toncoin for ad revenue-sharing and payments to channel owners, who receive 50% of the revenue generated from ads shown in their channels.In January 2025, the TON Foundation expanded its collaboration with Telegram, making TON Connect the exclusive wallet connection protoc ol for Telegram Mini Apps.

Telegram’s blockchain guidelines also required existing Mini Apps operating on other networks to transition to TON by February 2025, including migrating smart contracts and adopting TON Connect exclusively.

Sources:

https://cointelegraph.com/news/telegram-to-become-tons-largest-validator-durov-says

https://ton.org/en/durov-announces-all-telegram-payouts-to-be-made-in-toncoin

https://ton.org/en/ton-telegram-exclusive-partnership-2025

https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/toncoin

https://t.me/durov/501