Telegram Names TON Exclusive Blockchain Partner for Payments and Mini Apps

Telegram has announced The Open Network (TON) as its exclusive blockchain partner, solidifying its commitment to integrating blockchain into its services. Starting January 21, Telegram will cease support for all blockchains except TON, marking a significant expansion of its collaboration with the TON Foundation.

TON Connect: Exclusive Protocol for Blockchain Wallets

TON’s wallet connect protocol, TON Connect, will become the sole system for linking Telegram’s Mini Apps to blockchain wallets. This ensures all blockchain-enabled apps within Telegram use TON for custodial and non-custodial wallet connections, on-chain signatures, and blockchain-based transactions.

Toncoin as the Only Payment Token

Telegram will exclusively accept Toncoin for non-fiat payments across its ecosystem. This includes services like Telegram Premium, Telegram Ads, and Telegram Stars. Additionally, Mini App developers and channel owners will receive earnings only in Toncoin.

Exclusive Tokenization and Enhanced User Experience

Telegram plans to tokenize digital assets like emojis, stickers, and limited-edition NFTs exclusively on the TON blockchain. The initiative aims to provide users and developers with streamlined access to blockchain functionalities.

Vision for Growth

The TON Foundation emphasized that Telegram’s updates to its Mini App platform and adoption of Toncoin have driven significant growth. Manuel Stotz, President of the TON Foundation, called the partnership a critical step toward TON’s vision of empowering 500 million users by the end of the decade.

This move reinforces Telegram’s role as a major player in the blockchain space, leveraging its massive user base to promote blockchain adoption globally.