Enable WCT Staking to Access Premium WalletConnect Features

Ideas
1

Proposal: Enable WCT Staking to Access Premium WalletConnect Features

Category: Token Utility / Protocol Enhancement
Status: Draft Proposal

Summary

This proposal introduces a utility-based staking mechanism for the WCT (WalletConnect Token), where users and developers stake WCT to unlock premium WalletConnect protocol features. This is aimed at increasing token demand, incentivizing long-term holding, and supporting a sustainable Web3 UX infrastructure.

Motivation

Currently, WCT has limited utility beyond speculative value. To ensure its long-term sustainability and relevance, we must tie token usage directly to protocol-level benefits.

WalletConnect powers wallet–dApp communication across the Web3 ecosystem. By introducing premium features accessible only through WCT staking, we can:

  • Create meaningful token utility
  • Encourage token lock-up and reduce sell pressure
  • Reward long-term supporters
  • Increase developer and institutional adoption

Specification

1. Staking Tiers

Tier WCT Staked Benefits
Tier 0 0 Basic connection features
Tier 1 1,000 WCT Priority connection latency, dev analytics
Tier 2 10,000 WCT Access to advanced APIs, multi-session management
Tier 3 100,000 WCT Whitelisted relayers, protocol-level premium UX, beta features

All WCT staked are locked for a minimum of 30 days.

2. Premium Features Unlocked

  • Faster relay routing
  • Higher session timeout limits
  • Access to dev dashboard & usage metrics
  • Access to premium SDK plugins (e.g. mobile deep linking)
  • Early access to new protocol releases

3. Smart Contract Design

  • A non-custodial staking smart contract will handle tier classification
  • Users can upgrade/downgrade tiers via UI interface
  • Rewards (if any) to be discussed in future proposals

Benefits

  • Utility: Token tied to real, protocol-wide value
  • Adoption: Encourages devs and wallets to hold/stake WCT
  • Sustainability: Reduces token velocity and speculative churn
  • Scalability: Future DAO modules can build on this structure

Considerations

  • Requires clear communication of benefits per tier
  • Smart contract audit and phased rollout is essential
  • Premium access must not block essential protocol openness

Next Steps

  1. Community feedback & discussion
  2. Smart contract development by core contributors
  3. Beta testing phase with select developer partners
  4. DAO vote to implement on mainnet

Snapshot Poll (To be created)

Q: Should the DAO implement a tier-based staking model for WCT that enables access to premium WalletConnect protocol features?

  • Yes, implement it
  • Yes, but with changes
  • No, not at this time
19 Likes
3

Implementation Timeline Overview

To provide the community and core contributors with a clear expectation of rollout phases, the following visual outlines the estimated timeline for implementing the WCT staking mechanism — assuming the proposal is accepted by the DAO.

![Estimated Timeline to Implement WCT Staking]

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file_0000000023bc6230800f47f66086a3ab_conversation_id=67f7f1a6-fd40-8011-9bdd-9e29b660bc73&message_id=028f114c-b1c4-429f-aa70-4a654919cd361024×1536 65.8 KB

Breakdown of Each Phase:

1. Community Discussion & Finalization (2–4 weeks)

  • Open feedback and refinement of staking logic
  • Adjustments based on dev and user needs

2. Security Audit (2–4 weeks)

  • Comprehensive review of staking smart contracts
  • External audit from a trusted third-party provider

3. Beta Testing (Testnet) (2–3 weeks)

  • Trial run of staking tiers and feature access
  • Limited release to select developers and testers

4. Mainnet Launch (1 week)

  • Final deployment of the staking mechanism
  • Public release of staking dashboard and integrations

This timeline is subject to change based on audit findings or critical feedback, but reflects a realistic and agile rollout strategy aimed at balancing security and efficiency.

8 Likes
4

That sounds g toood :kissing_face_with_smiling_eyes::grin::sweat_smile::sweat_smile::laughing::face_blowing_a_kiss::face_blowing_a_kiss::smiling_face_with_three_hearts::smiling_face_with_three_hearts::smiling_face_with_three_hearts::face_blowing_a_kiss::smiling_face_with_tear::face_blowing_a_kiss::smiling_face_with_three_hearts::heart_eyes::smiling_face_with_three_hearts::slightly_smiling_face::smiling_face_with_tear::face_holding_back_tears::smiling_face_with_three_hearts::blush::blush::blush::blush::blush::blush::blush::blush::blush::face_holding_back_tears::face_holding_back_tears::smiling_face_with_tear::kissing_face_with_smiling_eyes::smiling_face_with_tear::face_holding_back_tears::face_blowing_a_kiss::kissing_face_with_smiling_eyes::face_holding_back_tears::blush::blush::blush::blush::squinting_face_with_tongue::face_with_tongue::face_with_tongue::face_with_tongue:

1 Like
5

Thank you for sharing this detailed proposal. I think introducing staking tiers to unlock premium WalletConnect features is a promising approach to increase token utility and improve the overall ecosystem.

From a user perspective, I appreciate the idea of meaningful benefits like faster relay routing and advanced APIs, which could enhance the dApp experience significantly. The tiered staking model also seems fair, giving options for different user levels.

A few points I’d suggest considering:

  • Ensuring that basic WalletConnect functionality remains free and fully accessible to avoid fragmentation or barriers for casual users.
  • Clear communication about the exact benefits and how they translate into improved UX, so users can make informed staking decisions.
  • Transparent plans around potential rewards for stakers, which could further incentivize participation.
  • Making the UI intuitive and seamless for staking and tier management to encourage adoption.

Overall, I support the proposal and look forward to seeing the community discussion and testing phases.

4 Likes
6

Good idea. It will definitely strengthen the network and coin price

4 Likes