Telegram to Become The Open Network’s Largest Validator

Telegram will replace the TON Foundation as The Open Network’s primary operator and become the network’s largest validator, founder Pavel Durov announced on Monday. The change moves Telegram from a distribution and payments partner to a central operator of TON’s infrastructure.

In a post on Telegram, Durov wrote that network fees have fallen sixfold to “nearly zero” and said the project will shift focus to “tech superiority.” He outlined plans for a new website, updated developer tools and performance upgrades expected within two to three weeks, and used the slogan “Make TON Great Again.”

The announcement increases Telegram’s operational role in TON’s roadmap and infrastructure. The company did not explain how its validator position will be structured, what stake it will hold, or the share of network validation it will control. The future role of the TON Foundation after the handover was not described. Requests for additional information were not answered.

Market reaction followed: Toncoin rose about 33.8% over 24 hours to $1.86 after the announcement.

Telegram has previously integrated TON into product features. In 2024 the company began using Toncoin for ad revenue-sharing and payments to channel owners, who receive 50% of ad revenue from ads on their channels. In January 2025 the TON Foundation set TON Connect as the exclusive wallet-connect protocol for Telegram Mini Apps and required Mini Apps on other chains to migrate to TON by February 2025, including moving smart contracts and switching to TON Connect.

Validators on TON process transactions and validate blocks. Becoming the largest validator would increase Telegram’s operational presence on the network, but the company has not disclosed governance or transparency measures related to that role.