TON is a completely decentralized layer-1 blockchain created by Telegram to help bring billions of users into crypto. The network focuses on rapid transactions, very low fees, simple apps, and an eco-friendly approach. It is both scalable and shard-based. Thanks to its adaptable design, TON can expand without degrading performance. Since 2020, the underlying technology has been advancing through a non-commercial group of supporters and an independent community of enthusiasts who referred to themselves as the TON Foundation. Toncoin, previously called Gram, is the native cryptocurrency of the TON network.

The core concept is to connect TON with a user-friendly application that lets people buy, send, and store value. In this setup, clients cover transaction fees and use TON to settle payments or confirm transactions. Toncoin runs on the proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, supporting scalability and dependable operation. As stated on the project website, the platform offers fast, clear, and secure payment services-making it easier to complete transactions with low fees and compatible third-party applications.

TON uses a multi-tier structure based on sharding, often described as segmentation (“blockchain within a blockchain”). With sharding, multiple subnets (shards) operate under the same blockchain, and each shard serves a dedicated role. This helps prevent the buildup of unverified blocks and improves throughput. The TON network includes master, work, and shard chains.