Pocket Network addresses this paradox of accessing decentralized networks through a handful of centralized service providers – a paradox that is an existential risk to Web3. Seeing this risk, Pocket Network was designed and built in order to do Web3 infrastructure the right way: decentralized. Visit Pocket Network – Unstoppable Open Data
Pocket Network (POKT) is a decentralized blockchain data platform that connects Web3 apps to 50+ blockchains via a scalable, token-incentivized node network.
- Decentralized RPC backbone – Acts as middleware for dApps to access blockchain data without centralized providers.
- Dynamic tokenomics – POKT rewards node operators proportionally to data relays, linking token supply to network usage.
- Upcoming hard fork – Upbit exchange paused POKT deposits/withdrawals on June 3, 2024, for a protocol upgrade (Upbit).
Deep Dive
1. Purpose & value proposition
Pocket Network addresses reliance on centralized infrastructure (e.g., AWS) by providing decentralized remote procedure call (RPC) services. Developers stake POKT to access bandwidth for querying blockchains, while node operators earn tokens by servicing these requests. This model aims to reduce single points of failure and censorship risks, a priority highlighted by recent regulatory actions against tech giants (Chris Jenkins).
2. Technology & architecture
- Multi-chain support: Connects to Ethereum, Solana, and 50+ chains via a unified API.
- Proof-of-Stake: Nodes stake 15,000 POKT to join the network, with rewards tied to uptime and relay volume.
- Throughput: Handled 1.2B daily relays in 2023, though recent data isn’t disclosed.
3. Tokenomics & governance
- Supply: 2.01B POKT circulating (85% of 2.35B total). Price surged 264% in 24h (as of May 30, 2025), but remains 65% below all-time highs.
- Inflation control: Minting adjusts dynamically based on relay volume, aiming to balance node incentives with token supply.
- DAO governance: Protocol upgrades (like the June 2024 hard fork) are voted on by POKT holders.
Pocket Network’s decentralized RPC model aligns with Web3’s ethos but faces scalability and adoption hurdles against entrenched centralized rivals. How might the hard fork impact node participation and relay costs post-Upbit’s resumption?
Pocket Network’s 349.8% 24-hour surge is driven by its listing on Upbit and anticipation of a network upgrade, amplified by market rotation into altcoins.
- Upbit listing triggered a 250%+ price spike and $41.8M volume surge (Upbit announcement).
- Hard fork prep (June 3) caused urgency to trade before Upbit’s deposit/withdrawal pause.
- Altcoin rotation saw POKT rise 280% as Bitcoin fell 1.9% (market data).
Deep Dive
1. Primary catalyst: Upbit listing
Upbit, South Korea’s largest exchange, added POKT to its KRW market on May 30, 2025. Listings on major exchanges typically boost liquidity and visibility, and POKT’s price surged 250% within hours of the news. The exchange’s 24-hour POKT/KRW volume hit $27.6M, accounting for ~66% of POKT’s global trading activity. Historical patterns show tokens often rally pre-listing due to speculative demand, then face volatility post-listing.
2. Supporting factors: Hard fork and ecosystem growth
- June 3 hard fork: Upbit will suspend POKT deposits/withdrawals starting June 3 for the upgrade, creating urgency to trade (Upbit alert).
- AI initiatives: The team highlighted the POKT AI Lab as part of its expansion, aligning with narratives around decentralized infrastructure (Pocket Network).
3. Market dynamics: Altcoin rotation
Despite Bitcoin’s 1.9% drop and a “Bitcoin Season” market phase, POKT capitalized on risk-on flows into low-cap tokens. The CMC Fear & Greed Index (61 → Greed) supported speculative activity, while POKT’s $115M market cap made it a high-beta play during broader volatility.
Conclusion
POKT’s surge reflects exchange-driven liquidity, upgrade anticipation, and altcoin momentum. However, post-listing corrections and hard fork execution risks loom. Will POKT sustain demand after Upbit’s suspension lifts, or will profit-taking reverse gains?
