In a stunning reversal, Telegram, the popular messaging giant, has rekindled its relationship with The Open Network (TON) blockchain after a turbulent regulatory battle forced them apart in 2020. The two entities have announced a game-changing partnership that positions TON as the exclusive blockchain infrastructure for Telegram’s vast ecosystem.
Telegram and TON’s Rocky History
Telegram first embarked on the TON project in 2017, envisioning a blockchain-powered platform that would seamlessly integrate decentralized services and revolutionize payments within the messaging app. However, the journey was short-lived, as a heated legal dispute with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over the project’s Initial Coin Offering (ICO) forced Telegram to abandon ship in 2020.
Left to fend for itself, TON evolved under the guidance of an open-source community, defying the odds to build a thriving decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem. With dozens of protocols and over $300 million in Total Value Locked (TVL), TON has captured the hearts of crypto enthusiasts worldwide.
A Partnership Reborn
Fast forward to 2025, and the once-estranged duo has reunited in a momentous partnership. TON will now serve as the backbone of Telegram’s decentralized infrastructure, powering an array of groundbreaking features for the app’s staggering 950 million monthly active users.
TON becomes the infrastructure blockchain exclusive to powering Telegram’s Mini App ecosystem and supporting Telegram’s global user base of over 950 million monthly active users.
– The Open Network Foundation announcement
Unleashing Decentralized Innovation
The reforged alliance promises to bring a host of decentralized services to Telegram’s massive user base, including:
- An integrated cryptocurrency wallet for seamless management and use of digital assets
- Cryptocurrency payments directly within chats, enabling frictionless transactions
- Streamlined access to decentralized applications (dApps), bringing blockchain to the masses
Toncoin: The Currency of Telegram
In addition to leveraging TON’s infrastructure, Telegram is adopting Toncoin (TON) as its primary cryptocurrency. Toncoin will be the sole digital currency accepted for payments across Telegram’s ecosystem, including:
- Telegram Stars, a creator monetization platform
- Telegram Premium subscription service
- Telegram Ads, the app’s advertising platform
- Telegram Gateway, an alternative to traditional SMS verification
Moreover, Toncoin will serve as the backbone for compensating mini-app developers and facilitating Telegram’s innovative ad revenue sharing model, which redistributes advertising income to channel administrators.
For secure and regulated access to cryptocurrencies like Toncoin, consider exploring trusted exchanges that adhere to industry best practices and regulatory guidelines.
A New Era for Messaging and Blockchain
The reunion of Telegram and TON signifies a pivotal moment in the convergence of messaging and blockchain technology. By integrating decentralized services and cryptocurrencies into one of the world’s most popular communication platforms, this partnership has the potential to onboard hundreds of millions of users into the crypto ecosystem.
As the lines between centralized and decentralized networks blur, Telegram and TON’s bold move could set a new standard for the future of online interaction and digital payments. The crypto community eagerly awaits the transformative impact this partnership will have on mainstream adoption and the evolution of decentralized technologies.
Key Takeaways
- Telegram and TON have reunited, with TON becoming Telegram’s exclusive blockchain infrastructure
- The partnership will integrate decentralized services and cryptocurrency payments for Telegram’s 950 million users
- Toncoin (TON) will serve as Telegram’s primary cryptocurrency for payments, developer compensation, and ad revenue sharing
- This move could significantly boost mainstream crypto adoption and reshape the messaging landscape