Telegram to become TON’s largest validator, Durov says

Telegram founder Pavel Durov said Telegram will replace the TON Foundation as the main driving force behind The Open Network (TON) and become its largest validator, signaling a deeper operational role for the messaging platform in the blockchain ecosystem.

In a Monday Telegram post, Durov said TON fees had dropped sixfold to “nearly zero” and that the next step would be to shift the network’s focus toward “tech superiority.” This includes a new website, new developer tools and performance upgrades. 

The changes are expected over the next two to three weeks, according to Durov, who described the move as a step in a plan to “Make TON Great Again.” 

The planned shift would make Telegram more central to TON’s infrastructure and roadmap, tightening the link between the blockchain network and the messaging platform that has driven much of its consumer adoption.

It remains unclear what role the TON Foundation will play after the transition,