Durov announces that Telegram becomes the largest validator of TON

Pavel Durov’s announcement renews attention around TON. According to the founder of Telegram, the messaging platform will take a more direct role in the network. In the wake of this, Toncoin surged significantly, while several details remain unclear about the TON Foundation, network validation, and the future technical organization.

Telegram takes the central position in TON

Pavel Durov stated that Telegram will replace the TON Foundation as the main engine of the Open Network. He also indicated that the platform will become the largest validator of the network. This announcement thus represents a major shift in the relationship between the messaging app and the blockchain ecosystem.

In his message published Monday, Durov explained that someone divided TON fees by six. They now reach a level that experts describe as nearly zero. Next, the focus will be on the technological superiority of the network, with a new website, new tools for developers, and performance improvements.

These changes are expected within the next two to three weeks. According to Durov, they are part of a plan to strengthen TON. Thus, Telegram no longer limits itself to integrating services related to payments or mini-apps. The platform now moves closer to the very infrastructure of the network.

This move places Telegram at the heart of the TON roadmap. It also strengthens the link between the blockchain and the messaging app, which has already played a crucial role in its adoption by the general public.

Toncoin surges after Durov’s statement

The market reacted quickly. Toncoin rose 33.8% in 24 hours after Pavel Durov’s publication. The token reached $1.86, according to Coingecko data in the last 24 hours. At the time of writing, the Toncoin price oscillates around $1.91.

This rise shows that investors welcomed the idea of a more operational role for Telegram in TON. However, the movement remains linked to an announcement whose technical details are not yet fully known.

Several questions remain open. It is still unknown how Telegram’s validator position will be structured. It is also unclear if the company will publish its exact stake or share in network validation.

In this context, Toncoin draws attention again. The token had already gained visibility thanks to its uses integrated into the messenger. This time, Toncoin is linked to a deeper evolution that directly affects the organization of the TON network.

A progressive integration between network, payments, and mini-applications

Durov’s announcement fits into an already ongoing evolution. In 2024, he indicated that Toncoin would be used for transactions related to advertising revenue sharing. Channel owners receive 50% of the revenue generated by ads displayed on their channels.

In January 2025, the TON Foundation also announced an extension of its partnership with Telegram. TON Connect then became the exclusive wallet connection protocol for mini-applications. This decision strengthened the use of Toncoin in the messaging ecosystem.

The rules also provided for the migration of existing mini-applications to TON before February 2025, with the transfer of smart contracts and exclusive use of TON Connect. The next step, at the heart of this blockchain transition, will depend on awaited clarifications on validation, governance, and the future place of the TON Foundation. Toncoin could remain central, while Telegram will need to clarify its exact role in the network infrastructure.