What Is Toncoin (TON):
A Step-by-Step Guide on TON

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Time to read: 10 min

Cryptocurrencies are reshaping the financial world, with new tokens emerging and gaining prominence. Among them, Toncoin (TON) has risen to become a leading cryptocurrency. This article explores Toncoin's origins, its connection to the popular messaging app Telegram, and its key features.

The Origins of Toncoin (TON)

The Open Network (TON) is a blockchain initially developed by Pavel and Nikolai Durov, the founders of Telegram. In 2018, they released the white paper for the Telegram Open Network and its cryptocurrency, GRAM. However, the project faced opposition from U.S. regulators and was never officially launched. Since the source code was public, it inspired independent developers to continue the work. Toncoin emerged as the most successful of these community-led initiatives. On December 23, 2021, Pavel Durov publicly endorsed the project in a Telegram post, praising its evolution, which caused the token's value to increase by 50%.

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From GRAM to TON: A Project Reborn

In 2018, the original GRAM project raised $1.7 billion through a private Initial Coin Offering (ICO). By 2019, the TON network was launched in a test mode. However, in October of that year, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a lawsuit against Telegram, alleging the illegal offering of securities. By March 2020, the legal challenges proved insurmountable, and the release of GRAM was officially halted. The project was shut down, and support for the test network was discontinued. At this point, independent developers, including the Newton community led by Anatoly Makosov and Kirill Emelyanenko, took over the initiative using the open-source code. Starting in May 2020, the new Toncoin project went live, preserving the original vision. Today, the blockchain is fully operational and includes features like the TON-ETH and TON-BSC bridges, which allow users to exchange the native TON token for its ERC-20 and BEP-20 equivalents.

Technical Architecture of The Open Network

The Open Network is built on several key components that work together to create a powerful and versatile ecosystem.

  • TON Blockchain: A flexible and highly scalable blockchain designed for speed and security, featuring advanced smart contracts and micropayment channels.
  • TON P2P: A peer-to-peer network that enables direct communication between users, allowing them to access the blockchain and validate transactions.
  • TON Storage: A distributed file-storage system similar to torrents, used for storing archived block copies and other large files.
  • TON Proxy: An anonymizing network layer that conceals user identities and IP addresses, enhancing privacy and security.
  • TON Services: A platform for building decentralized applications and services with user-friendly interfaces accessible via browsers or mobile devices.
  • TON DHT: A distributed hash table that functions like a tracker for TON Storage and helps locate other network services.
  • TON Payments: A microtransaction channel designed for instant, off-chain value transfers and payments for services within the ecosystem.
  • TON DNS: A service that assigns human-readable names to accounts, smart contracts, and network nodes, making them easier to access.

The network uses a unique architecture consisting of a primary masterchain and multiple working chains, or workchains. Each workchain can have its own rules but remains interoperable with the entire ecosystem, allowing for immense scalability and flexibility.

Use Cases of the TON Token

The network's native cryptocurrency, Toncoin, is essential for its operation. It is used to pay for transaction fees, execute smart contracts, and as a stake for validators in the Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism. Beyond these standard functions, TON is used to pay for decentralized data storage (TON Storage), secure domain names (TON DNS), and use network anonymization services (TON Proxy). Furthermore, Toncoin holders can participate in on-chain governance by voting on proposed changes and developments to the protocol.

Toncoin Price Outlook

Price predictions for Toncoin vary, but many analysts see potential for future growth. However, these forecasts should be viewed as speculative due to market volatility. CoinEdition projects an optimistic value of $19.68 by the end of 2024, potentially reaching $25 in 2025 and $52.64 by 2040. CoinCodex, analyzing historical trends, suggests a potential price of $30.10 in 2025 and $26.13 in 2030. Technopedia forecasts a possible rise to $25 by 2030, citing positive market sentiment and developer activity. These predictions are not guaranteed, and investors should always conduct their own research and assess their risk tolerance before investing.

How to Buy Toncoin

Toncoin can be purchased on various cryptocurrency exchanges. Platforms like Switchere.com provide a user-friendly interface for buying TON. On this platform, users can purchase Toncoin using credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard, or via bank and SEPA transfers. Switchere also offers a mobile app for iOS and Android, allowing users to manage their assets on the go.

How to Store TON Tokens

As interest in Toncoin grows, secure storage becomes increasingly important. Several types of wallets are available to safeguard your TON tokens.

Telegram Wallet

The Wallet is a bot integrated into Telegram that has evolved into a full-featured mini-application. It allows users to buy and sell Toncoin via a peer-to-peer (P2P) market. As of May 2024, users must complete identity verification to access all its features.

TON Space

TON Space is a self-custodial wallet integrated within the Telegram Wallet. After activating it, users create an account and must securely store a seed phrase. It allows for managing Toncoin and other tokens on the TON blockchain across any device where Telegram is installed.

Crypto Bot

Crypto Bot is another versatile wallet bot for Telegram. It supports deposits, withdrawals, P2P transactions, and creating crypto payments. While convenient for small, daily transfers, it is generally not recommended for storing large amounts of cryptocurrency.

SafePal Wallet

SafePal is a user-friendly wallet that prioritizes security by giving users full control over their private keys. It supports Toncoin along with hundreds of other tokens and NFTs. Its integration with trading apps allows for seamless exchanges directly from the wallet.

Tangem Wallet

Tangem is a multi-currency cold wallet that provides secure offline storage for Toncoin and other cryptocurrencies. It is a physical card that uses NFC technology to interact with a mobile app and does not collect personal data, ensuring user privacy.

Conclusion

Toncoin has evolved into a prominent, community-driven cryptocurrency with a strong endorsement from Pavel Durov. Its underlying technology, The Open Network, aims to be one of the fastest and most scalable blockchains available. With unique features, a detailed development roadmap, and interoperability with other major blockchains like Ethereum and BSC via bridges, Toncoin is a significant project in the decentralized landscape.

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FAQ

  • Should I Buy Toncoin?

    Investing in Toncoin (TON) requires careful consideration, as all cryptocurrencies carry risk. It is essential to conduct thorough research and understand the market before making any investment decisions. This information is not financial advice.

  • What Is the Best Way to Buy Toncoin (TON)?

    The most common way to buy Toncoin is through a reputable cryptocurrency exchange. Platforms like Switchere.com offer a secure environment to purchase TON using various payment methods.

  • What Are Toncoin Transaction Fees?

    Transaction fees on the TON network are used to reward validators who secure the blockchain. These fees are generally low, typically costing around 0.005 TON per transaction, which ensures fast and affordable transfers.

  • When Will Toncoin Price Go Up?

    The price of Toncoin, like any cryptocurrency, is influenced by overall market conditions, adoption rates, and investor sentiment. Due to market volatility, it is impossible to predict the exact timing of price movements.

  • How High Can Toncoin Price Go?

    While some long-term forecasts are optimistic about Toncoin's potential growth, its ultimate value will depend on the continued development of the TON ecosystem and its widespread adoption.

  • Does the TON Network Have Its Own Blockchain?

    Yes, Toncoin runs on its own native blockchain, The Open Network (TON). It was designed for high scalability, speed, and flexibility to support a wide range of decentralized applications.

  • Will the 'Telegram Crypto' Crash?

    While Telegram initially created the project, Toncoin is now developed and maintained by an independent, decentralized community. Its future depends on its own technological progress and market adoption, not solely on Telegram. The project has shown resilience and continued growth since becoming community-led.

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