The Open Network (TON), a blockchain infrastructure project originally created by Telegram, has unveiled its roadmap for the first half of 2025. It includes major updates such as a new Layer 2 payment network and quality-of-life improvements.
Focus on Layer 2 Payment Network
One of the key highlights of TON’s 2025 roadmap is the Layer 2 Payment Network. This network is designed to improve the blockchain's performance by providing faster and cheaper transaction capabilities. The payment channel network, often likened to Bitcoin’s Lightning Network, will enable instant money transfers with low fees. This will be crucial for applications requiring high transaction speeds, such as on-chain trading and gaming. The TON Layer 2 Payment Network will handle micro-commissions and seamless asset swaps, offering faster payment solutions while relieving pressure on the main network. In the long term, TON hopes to create a more robust payment ecosystem that can handle the demands of modern decentralized finance (DeFi) and consumer applications.
Enhancements to TON’s Core Functionality
The TON Core team has outlined several other notable upgrades, including:
* Accelerator Mainnet Upgrade: The first major upgrade will enhance the network’s shardchain tracking and separate validator functions into two distinct roles: collators, who collect transactions, and validators, who validate blocks. * Interoperability Goals: TON is also aiming to enhance its interoperability by partnering with major projects like Axelar, LayerZero, and Wormhole. * Programming Language Update: Launch of TOLK 1.0 to offer better programming tools for developers. * BTC Bridging Mechanism: Development of a bridge between Bitcoin and Toncoin, enabling users to transfer BTC to the TON ecosystem with ease.
TON’s Path to Sustainable Growth
TON has successfully built a large user base, reaching over 113 million users in January 2025 despite the end of its airdrop campaigns. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the network generated over $2 million in fees, signaling a sustainable growth trajectory for the platform. However, the project is still working to optimize its DeFi sector, which currently holds a modest $294 million in total value locked (TVL). One of the key areas of focus for TON is to expand its use cases beyond meme tokens and limited airdrops, aiming to become a payment chain focusing on utility and real-world use cases.
With the announcement of its plans for 2025, TON aims to enhance its network and position it as a significant player in the blockchain market, advancing key directions and optimizing network use for modern demands.
