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<p>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.</p>
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  <h2 class="in-brief--title" id="in-brief">In brief</h2>
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   <li>Pavel Durov announced that Telegram will become the largest validator of TON and take a more direct role in the network’s infrastructure.</li>
   <li>Toncoin surged 33.8% in 24 hours following this announcement, reaching $1.86 according to cited data.</li>
   <li>Telegram wants to refocus TON on technical performance, with reduced fees, a new website, and new tools for developers.</li>
   <li>Several gray areas remain open, notably regarding the future role of the TON Foundation and the exact structure of network validation.</li>
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<h2 id="h-telegram-takes-the-central-position-in-ton">Telegram takes the central position in TON</h2>
<p>Pavel Durov stated that Telegram will replace the <a href="https://www.cointribune.com/en/tag/toncoin-ton-en/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">TON</a> 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.</p>
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<p>In his <a href="https://t.me/durov/501" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">message</a> 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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
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<h2 id="h-toncoin-surges-after-durov-s-statement">Toncoin surges after Durov’s statement</h2>
<p>The market reacted quickly. Toncoin rose 33.8% in 24 hours after Pavel Durov’s publication. The token reached $1.86, according to <a href="https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/toncoin" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Coingecko data</a> in the last 24 hours. At the time of writing, the <a href="https://www.cointribune.com/en/crypto-markets/toncoin-ton-en/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Toncoin price</a> oscillates around $1.91.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img width="1024" height="552" src="https://www.cointribune.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Toncoin-1024x552.jpeg" alt="CoinGecko chart showing the sharp rise in Toncoin price, from about $1.38 to $1.86 after Pavel Durov's announcement.">
 <figcaption><em>Toncoin price chart over 24 hours. Source: CoinGecko.<br></em>
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<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h2 id="h-a-progressive-integration-between-network-payments-and-mini-applications">A progressive integration between network, payments, and mini-applications</h2>
<p>Durov’s announcement fits into an already ongoing evolution. In 2024, he indicated that <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/telegram-to-become-tons-largest-validator-durov-says?utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_source=rss_feed" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Toncoin would be used for transactions related to advertising revenue sharing</a>. Channel owners receive 50% of the revenue generated by ads displayed on their channels.</p>
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<p>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.</p>
<p>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 <a href="https://www.cointribune.com/en/what-is-the-blockchain/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">blockchain</a> 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.</p>

Durov announces that Telegram becomes the largest validator of TON

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