Tezos blockchain has implemented its 17th protocol upgrade, Quebec, which alters block timing and staking parameters to improve operational performance. The change followed an on-chain voting process and was developed by teams at Nomadic Labs, Trilitech, and Functori. The protocol update fits within the Tezos X roadmap and adjusts technical aspects of network operation, staking incentives, and token inflation control.
Quebec reduces the layer 1 block time from 10 seconds to 8 seconds. Transaction finality now occurs in 16 seconds. Bakers, the network’s validators, are permitted to accept an increased external stake, raising their capacity from 5x to 9x the amount of their own stake. The update also adjusts staking rewards so that stakes held directly yield 3 times the rewards compared to delegated funds, a modification from the previous 2x ratio. These changes maintain the network’s hardware requirements for consensus, allowing participation by operators using lower-specification infrastructure.
Yann Régis-Gianas, Head of Engineering at Nomadic Labs, stated that the upgrade improves transaction speed and alters the staking model without affecting decentralized participation. He noted that discussions within the community regarding tokenomics and inflation control played a key role in addressing issuance levels relative to network security. The emphasis on rebalancing external stake acceptance and reward proportions reflects a plan to control token supply increase while preserving network integrity.
Quebec also refines the Adaptive Issuance mechanism introduced during the Paris protocol upgrade. The mechanism now adjusts issuance rates in response to network conditions with the aim of keeping staking rewards aligned with security requirements. This change follows consultations with community members and bakers, ensuring that staking and delegation maintain their respective roles in security and economic incentive.
Recent ecosystem events complement the protocol change. The launch of the uranium.io marketplace on Etherlink—an EVM-compatible layer 2 solution powered by Tezos Smart Rollups—illustrates a trend in tokenizing real world assets linked to digital market sectors. The addition of this platform coincides with heightened attention on tokenizing tangible assets, particularly those associated with developments in the AI sector.
Analysis: The Quebec upgrade represents an adjustment of blockchain parameters to achieve efficient transaction processing and improved stake management. The reduction in block time and increase in allowable external stake for bakers suggest a focus on clear, measurable improvements in network operation. Refining the staking reward ratios and Adaptive Issuance mechanism indicates a commitment to controlling token inflation while preserving network security and participation from a broad user base.
Final Thoughts
The protocol upgrade underlines Tezos’ ongoing effort to adjust its operational parameters to meet network demands. The deliberate changes in block timing and staking configurations serve to consolidate network performance. Technical participants and network operators view these adjustments as part of a structured process to maintain the balance between transaction speed and secure staking practices. Continuous modifications such as Quebec contribute to the practical management of blockchain parameters that support long-term network function.
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