Enable WCT Staking to Access Premium WalletConnect Features

General
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
4 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.

2 Likes