As Facebook's Libra faces regulatory hurdles and delayed launch, the blockchain community is shifting its focus to Telegram's upcoming blockchain platform, Telegram Open Network (TON), set to release in less than two months.
Scheduled for October 31, TON is highly anticipated by the crypto community for its potential to drive mass adoption. Last Friday, TON Labs—the development team behind TON—released the testnet code and technical documentation, marking a significant milestone.
Key Features of the TON Testnet Release
- Open Access: Developers can now download a testnet version, including node software, validator SDKs, and a block explorer to monitor network activity.
- Fift Language: The release introduces Fift, a new programming language designed for TON, enabling developers to explore smart contract creation.
- Community Collaboration: Telegram encourages developers to identify bugs and contribute to refining the platform.
Telegram’s Blockchain Journey
With over 200 million users, Telegram announced TON in December 2017, followed by a record-breaking $1.7 billion private funding round in March 2018. Despite prolonged silence post-funding, updates emerged sporadically:
- November 2018: A progress report shared with investors revealed limited details.
- March 2019: The whitepaper was published.
- September 2019: TON Labs announced an Ethereum-compatible compiler for seamless DApp migration.
Why TON Matters Amid Libra’s Struggles
As regulators clamp down on Libra, Telegram’s founder Pavel Durov—known for his anti-censorship stance—has become a beacon of hope for decentralized innovation. The testnet’s release reaffirms Telegram’s commitment to its launch deadline.
FAQs
Q: When will TON officially launch?
A: The platform is slated for October 31, 2019, per Telegram’s original timeline.
Q: How does TON differ from Ethereum?
A: TON emphasizes scalability and speed, with Fift enabling unique smart contract capabilities. Ethereum compatibility tools are also in development.
Q: Can users mine Gram tokens?
A: Gram distribution details remain undisclosed, but testnet participation may offer early insights.
👉 Explore TON’s latest developments
👉 Dive into Ethereum-to-TON migration tools