Tether, a leading stablecoin operator, is expanding its USDT stablecoin’s reach by partnering with the Celo network, which is an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible layer-1 network designed specifically for rapid and cost-efficient payments.
This collaboration, announced on March 11, is expected to significantly benefit USDT users by introducing “notably low, sub-cent transaction fees” around $0.001, thus facilitating microtransactions.
A source close to Celo highlighted the network’s commitment to providing fast, low-cost payments globally since its launch in April 2020.
Transitioning to an Ethereum L2, according to a spokesperson, would maintain low gas fees—a critical factor for achieving global prosperity, aligning with Celo’s community mission.
The introduction of USDT to the Celo ecosystem will enrich the platform’s variety of stable assets, which includes Mento’s eXOF and the cREAL, among others.
These stable assets are instrumental in supporting remittances, savings, lending, and cross-border payments.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tether USDT to the Celo ecosystem, which is fast becoming a leader in stablecoins and real-world assets,” said Rene Reinsberg, Celo co-founder and foundation president.
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He emphasized the added options for users seeking fast, low-cost payment methods and the enhancement of stablecoin use cases benefiting people globally.
Details on when USDT will be officially issued on the Celo blockchain were not disclosed by Tether representatives.
However, this move places USDT alongside 14 other blockchains supported by Tether, such as Tron, Ethereum, Solana, and Avalanche, with Tron and Ethereum hosting the majority of USDT circulation.
The integration occurs amidst growing concerns within the crypto community over rising Ethereum network fees, which have soared as Ether prices breached $4,000.
These high fees have particularly affected Ethereum-based USDT transactions, which require ETH for gas fees.
Nevertheless, the Celo network’s EVM compatibility does not inherently link it to Ethereum’s fee structure, offering a semblance of independence from the volatile gas fees, as noted by a Celo insider.
This strategic move by Tether into the Celo network is also noted alongside the introduction of its major competitor, the Circle-issued USD Coin (USDC), to Celo, marking a significant period of growth and diversification for stablecoins on the platform.
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