The TON blockchain has achieved a tenfold speed increase following a successful upgrade and now plans to reduce transaction fees by six times. Telegram founder Pavel Durov announced the implementation of the first step in the Make TON Great Again (MTONGA) framework, resulting in “instant, subsecond” transactions and faster block creation. This move positions TON among the fastest networks and aims to improve its competitiveness against other major Layer 1 chains like Solana and BNB Chain.
The TON blockchain has increased its speed tenfold and now plans to lower fees as top Layer 1 chains compete for users. Telegram founder Pavel Durov announced the recent Catchain 2.0 upgrade was successful on April 9. According to him, the blockchain now creates blocks six times faster, and transactions are now ‘instant, subsecond.’
Durov added that the 10x faster speed was the first of seven steps in the blockchain’s overhaul plan, dubbed the Make TON Great Again (MTONGA) framework. The second step will cut the transaction cost by 6x.
ChainSpect data shows TON now ranks 14th among the fastest blockchain networks. On sub-second block times, it only rivals Solana and BNB Chain, which have also made updates to scale speed and lower costs.
The competition is particularly intense in stablecoin transfers, a domain long dominated by Ethereum. Rising competition from cheaper options like Tron, Solana, BNB Chain, and now TON has slashed Ethereum’s market share in stablecoin settlement.
Currently, TON’s average transfer cost is about $0.00315, while Solana charges $0.00201. If the 6x lower fees are achieved, TON would be 72% cheaper than Solana, providing a competitive advantage.
As of writing, TON was the 13th largest chain in terms of stablecoin liquidity. Data from DeFiLlama indicates the blockchain has seen a broader downtrend in activity since late 2024.
DEX volumes have dropped from 2024 highs of $1.4 billion to $26 million as of April 2026. Similarly, the total locked value has decreased from a record high of $766 million to $55 million.
