How to buy and earn money from Telegram usernames on the TON blockchain

In 2022, Telegram introduced a feature allowing users to purchase tokenized usernames using a blockchain platform called Fragment. This initiative leverages The Open Network (TON), an initial blockchain platform developed by Telegram. Users can purchase usernames in token form, meaning the usernames are represented as unique digital assets on the blockchain, enabling ownership confirmation and transferability.

Fragment is being created using the TON blockchain to allow Telegram users to earn money from their usernames and purchase virtual phone numbers as NFTs.

• Making money from user names as NFTs: Users can sell their Telegram usernames (e.g. Mai or Trung) as NFTs. This idea is similar to trading domain names used for websites, where unique identities are valuable due to scarcity and desire for use.
• Virtual phone numbers as a security option: Fragment also provides virtual phone numbers as tokens. These numbers can be used as privacy-focused security alternatives to traditional phone numbers, especially for verifying new user registrations on Telegram. This addresses privacy concerns related to using personal phone numbers for verification.
• Transactions supported by Blockchain: Fragment transactions are supported by the TON blockchain. This ensures that the ownership rights of digital assets (username and phone number) are securely and transparently recorded. Blockchain technology provides a platform for immutable ownership records, preventing fraud and ensuring trust in transactions.
• Security and Transparency: By utilizing blockchain technology, Fragment enhances security and transparency. The decentralized nature of blockchain ensures that ownership records cannot be tampered with, providing a reliable mechanism to verify the authenticity of digital assets.

How to buy a Telegram username on Fragment

Fragment operates as an exchange platform where Telegram usernames can be bought and sold with Toncoin, the native token of the TON network. Users need a wallet like TonKeeper to manage Toncoin and participate in auctions or directly purchase usernames. Below are the detailed steps:

• Create wallet: Users need to set up a Toncoin wallet like TonKeeper. This wallet stores Toncoin and performs transactions on the TON blockchain.
• Auction process: User names on Fragment can be entered into auctions or available for direct purchase. Auction sessions require users to place bids, with the highest bid at the end of the session determining the purchase price. Users can auction through the Fragment platform, from the homepage, or use the search feature.
• Buy directly: Some usernames have suggested prices for direct purchase. Users can buy these usernames directly if they wish.
• Proposal: If a user wishes to mark a username as “taken”, they can make a proposal to the current owner through Fragment. If accepted, Toncoin will be deducted from the buyer’s wallet.
• Transaction completed: After completing the transaction (winning an auction or purchasing directly), the user’s name will be converted into an NFT and linked to the specific account of the buyer. The NFT can be transferred to other wallets if needed.
• Fee: The platform’s basic fee is 5% on every transaction, whether it’s a direct purchase or the highest bid won in an auction session.
• Market Activity: Fragment has witnessed active market activity with custom usernames, with notable trades like @news reaching around 1.7 million USD in November 2022. The platform has executed over 350 million USD in trades since its launch.

Anonymous fake numbers on TON

At the end of 2022, Telegram introduced a limited version of virtual phone numbers, officially called anonymous numbers, as collectible items on the TON blockchain. These numbers allow users to register without needing a SIM and receive login codes through Fragment instead of SMS.

On Telegram, users have to use their phone number to register and log in, a process that can easily lead to privacy leaks. Instead, Fragment allows users to purchase phone numbers that can be used to verify Telegram registration without revealing personal information.

In other words, these anonymous numbers can be used to create Telegram accounts without the need for a SIM card. Therefore, privacy-conscious users may not need to use a traditional mobile phone number to register and use the application. At present, there are about 136,500 such anonymous numbers in circulation.

The direct sale of anonymous numbers ended in 2022 - currently, these numbers can only be repurchased from other users on Fragment.