Pavel Durov's Telegram Now Largest Validator on Toncoin

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Ahmed Barakat

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Ahmed Barakat Verified

Part of the Team Since

Aug 2025

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Ahmed Balaha is a journalist and copywriter based in Georgia with a growing focus on blockchain technology, DeFi, AI, privacy, digital assets, and fintech innovation.

Last updated:

May 4, 2026

Toncoin is evolving with Telegram's direct support. Find out about the new fees, upgrades, and what this means for crypto. Toncoin On The Path to Recovery With 6% Gains Overnight As Pavel Durov Released On Bail. Can TON Reach $7 This Week?

In a bold move that sent ripples through the crypto world, Telegram founder Pavel Durov announced today that fees on The Open Network (TONCoin) have already dropped 6x, plummeting to nearly zero.

But that’s just the beginning. Telegram is stepping up to replace the TON Foundation as the primary driving force behind the blockchain, becoming its largest validator.

This shift marks a major turning point for TON. After delivering a 10x speed upgrade in April (Step 1 of the “Make TON Great Again” plan), the network is now accelerating its transformation with Telegram’s direct involvement.

The focus is shifting squarely to technological superiority, backed by a refreshed ton.org website, new developer tools, and significant performance upgrades, all expected to roll out in the next 2–3 weeks.

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Why This Matters For Telegram And Toncoin Foundation

Durov is making a direct bet on scale.

Telegram’s nearly 1 billion users combined with TONCoin ultra-low-cost infrastructure is the thesis. Near-zero fees and sub-second transactions open the door for seamless in-app payments, mini-apps, DeFi, and mass adoption at a scale most blockchains cannot touch.

Many transactions could soon become completely feeless.

For developers it means easier building and faster iteration. For the broader ecosystem it signals Telegram’s full commitment to turning TON into a high-performance backbone for real-world applications, not just another speculative asset.

Speculation is not the endgame here. Everyday utility is. With Telegram firmly in the driver’s seat, the Make TON Great Again roadmap is just getting started.

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