The Open Network (TON), a blockchain infrastructure project created by Telegram, has presented its roadmap for the first half of 2025. Key updates include a new Layer 2 payment network and several quality-of-life improvements.
Layer 2 Payment Network
One of the key highlights of TON’s 2025 roadmap is the new Layer 2 Payment Network. This network aims to enhance the blockchain's performance by providing faster and cheaper transaction capabilities. Similar to Bitcoin’s Lightning Network, the new payment network will enable instant money transfers with low fees, crucial for applications requiring high transaction speeds, such as on-chain trading and gaming. It will manage micro-commissions and seamless asset swaps, offering fast payment solutions while reducing the load on the main network.
Enhancements to TON's Core Functionality
The TON Core team has outlined several significant upgrades including:
- An Accelerator Mainnet Upgrade to enhance shardchain tracking and separate validator functions into two distinct roles: collators, who collect transactions, and validators, who validate blocks. - Interoperability goals with partnerships with projects like Axelar and LayerZero to enable cross-chain compatibility, allowing assets to move seamlessly between TON and other blockchain networks. - Programming language update with the launch of TOLK 1.0 offering better programming tools for developers. - A BTC bridging mechanism, developed in collaboration with RSquad, to enable users to transfer BTC to the TON ecosystem with ease, providing minimal friction for asset transfers across networks.
Path to Sustainable Growth
In January 2025, TON reached over 113 million users despite concluding its airdrop campaigns. In Q4 2024, the network generated over $2 million in fees, indicating a sustainable growth trajectory. However, the project continues to optimize its DeFi sector, where $294 million in total value is currently locked. A key focus for TON is to expand its use cases beyond meme tokens and limited airdrops, striving to become a 'payment chain' with a focus on utility and real-world applications.
TON's new roadmap showcases the team's determination to enhance the platform's functionalities and broaden its use cases. Successful implementation of the planned updates could significantly strengthen its position in the DeFi sector and attract new users.
