Toncoin (TON) Rebrands to Gram as Telegram Takes Control

The Open Network (TON) announced plans to rebrand its native cryptocurrency Toncoin (TON) back to its original name, Gram (GRAM), signaling a return to the project’s roots under Telegram’s leadership. This move comes as Telegram solidifies its role as the primary driver and largest validator of the blockchain. The rebranding process is expected to take three weeks and does not involve any token migration or technical changes.

“Gram was the original name of TON’s currency in the first white paper,” Telegram founder Pavel Durov posted on June 1, adding that the change is part of the “Make TON Great Again” roadmap. The roadmap includes key upgrades like April’s Catchain update, which improved blockchain speed and reduced transaction fees, as well as Telegram’s recent governance takeover from the TON Foundation in May 2026.

The decision to restore the ‘Gram’ name highlights a full-circle moment for the project. Originally launched in 2018, the Gram token was derailed by a U.S. SEC lawsuit that forced Telegram to abandon its $1.7 billion initial coin offering (ICO) in 2020. Community developers later revived the project under the TON Foundation, renaming the token Toncoin (TON). Telegram’s re-engagement with the ecosystem over the past two years has now culminated in this rebranding effort.

According to a vote initiated by The Open Network, 80% of pledged TON tokens have supported the rebrand so far. Notably, there will be no changes to token balances, addresses, or smart contracts as part of the transition, ensuring a seamless process for holders and developers.

The market has responded positively to the news. Toncoin’s price surged over 15% following Durov’s announcement, rising from $1.95 to $2.25 on Monday evening before retracing slightly to $2.10 by Tuesday morning. As of June 2, TON has gained 11.33% in the last 24 hours, pushing its market capitalization to $5.61 billion, according to CoinGecko.

While the token remains far below its all-time high of $8.25 from June 2024, the rebranding and Telegram’s expanded role have reignited investor interest. Analysts suggest the move could pave the way for broader adoption as Telegram integrates blockchain features like payments, mini-apps, and digital ownership tools into its messaging platform, which boasts over one billion users.

The rebrand to Gram marks a strategic push to align the token with Telegram’s vision of a Web3 “super app.” With no immediate technical changes required, the focus now shifts to how Telegram leverages its influence to expand the TON ecosystem and bring blockchain capabilities to mainstream users.

Traders will be watching closely as the Gram transition progresses, especially given the market’s strong reaction to Telegram’s governance moves in recent months. With the rebranding set to conclude within weeks, further price movements could reflect investor confidence in Telegram’s ability to deliver on its ambitious Web3 goals.

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