Pavel Durov announced Monday that transaction fees on The Open Network (TON) have been slashed sixfold — down to nearly zero. The Telegram CEO also confirmed that the messaging platform is stepping in to replace the TON Foundation as the blockchain's primary driving force, and it has already become TON's largest validator.
Why the fee cut matters
Near-zero fees, combined with sub-second transaction speeds, are meant to make in-app payments and mini-apps feel seamless. Telegram has nearly a billion users. If the network can actually handle that scale, the pitch is straightforward: send value as easily as you send a message. That's the goal, anyway.
The ‘Make TON Great Again’ plan
The network delivered a 10x speed upgrade last month as part of a broader push Durov is calling 'Make TON Great Again.' Developer tools, a revamped ton.org website, and more performance improvements are expected within the next two to three weeks. Telegram isn't just cheering from the sidelines — it's running a validator and calling the shots.
What changes for users and devs
For end users, the fee drop means sending TON or using a mini-app costs pennies — literally. For developers, the new tooling and faster chain are designed to lower the barrier to building on TON. The timing isn't accidental: Telegram wants to turn its massive user base into an on-ramp for DeFi and other blockchain apps without making people leave the chat app.
A shift in governance
The TON Foundation had been the steward of the network since it split from Telegram in 2020 under regulatory pressure. Now Telegram is back in the driver's seat. Durov didn't detail what happens to the Foundation's team or treasury, but the message is clear: Telegram is betting big on TON being its financial layer.
The next few weeks will show whether the promised developer tools and site refresh actually land on schedule. If they do, Telegram will have a much stronger story to tell its billion users.
