Telegram Partners Exclusively with TON

Telegram has revealed an exclusive collaboration with The Open Network (TON), cementing its role as the official blockchain infrastructure provider. 

 Source: X

According to the partnership guidelines, all mini-applications functioning within Telegram must shift to the TON blockchain. Mini-app developers currently utilising alternative networks must finalise this transition by 21 February 2025. Furthermore, mini-applications will be prohibited from promoting or incorporating wallets outside the TON ecosystem.

Developers must eliminate references to external wallets from their platforms by 1 February 2025. The revised Telegram Bot usage conditions stipulate that mini-apps must solely interact with wallets using the TON Connect SDK. Nevertheless, Telegram has permitted the use of other protocols exclusively for transferring assets between blockchain networks.

Toncoin Becomes the Default Cryptocurrency for Telegram Services

Following this strategic shift, Toncoin will serve as the exclusive cryptocurrency for accessing primary Telegram services. The collaboration aims to establish a unified blockchain infrastructure within Telegram, delivering users a seamless and protected experience. This endeavour also focuses on strengthening fraud prevention and creating a stable environment for blockchain interactions on the platform.

Telegram intends to broaden its utilisation of the TON blockchain to tokenise various digital assets. These will comprise limited-edition items such as emojis and stickers, offered as NFTs. This development reflects Telegram's comprehensive strategy to incorporate blockchain technology into creative and interactive digital content.

TON Foundation's DeFi Initiatives

This news follows a recent announcement made by the TON Foundation about joining forces with EVAA Protocol to introduce a decentralised finance (DeFi) program. Key features include the launch of loans in USDT, supported by TON-based tokens including TON and tsTON.

This partnership incorporates reward schemes, with 100,000 TON (worth approximately £550,000) designated to encourage user engagement. The initial phase, named Borrow Rewards, concentrates on providing incentives to borrowers. Whilst the second phase, Supply Rewards, targets liquidity providers who will receive cashback in TON tokens. Moreover, participants in this initiative will accumulate EVAA XP points, scheduled for conversion into tokens during the first quarter of 2025.

This alliance between Telegram and TON, coupled with the introduction of new blockchain-based services, highlights projects dedication to advancing blockchain integration and providing innovative solutions for users globally.