Telegram is now exclusively supporting Toncoin and the TON network for its apps and services. This change comes from a new partnership. Starting now, Telegram will stop supporting all other blockchains for its messenger services, including Mini Apps.

With this partnership, TON will be the only blockchain infrastructure for Telegram’s Mini App ecosystem. Also, Telegram will only accept Toncoin (TON) for non-fiat payments for its assets and services.

This partnership builds on the close relationship between Telegram and the TON Foundation. Telegram has always favored TON as its go-to blockchain network for Web3 infrastructure.

The TON Foundation mentioned that Telegram’s features have greatly helped the network grow. This includes updates to Mini Apps, the use of Toncoin for payments, and its advertising platform. The exclusivity agreement strengthens the technological ties between TON and Telegram.

As part of this deal, Telegram will only accept Toncoin for payments related to services like Telegram Stars, Telegram Premium, Telegram Ads, and Telegram Gateway. This last service is an alternative to traditional SMS verification. Additionally, Toncoin will be the only currency used to pay Telegram Mini App developers and channel owners for their earned Telegram Stars and ad revenue.

TON Connect will be the sole protocol for linking Telegram Mini Apps. A spokesperson from the TON Foundation noted that while many developers chose to deploy on TON, some added blockchain features through other networks. Mini Apps have launched on networks like Sui, Solana, and Aptos. However, this partnership ensures that TON Connect will be the only way to connect Telegram Mini Apps to blockchain wallets. This means that Mini Apps can now only use TON for their blockchain functionality.

The spokesperson emphasized that Toncoin has always been the only non-fiat payment option accepted by Telegram. This move reinforces their commitment to integrating Toncoin into their ecosystem.

Manuel Stotz, the new president of the TON Foundation, highlighted the importance of this exclusive partnership with Telegram. He stated that after laying the groundwork over the past few years, TON is now ready for explosive growth in 2025. Stotz also mentioned that “Telegram is the sixth most downloaded app in the world, a beacon for free speech, and the default messaging platform for the global blockchain community.” No other blockchain has a distribution reach like this.