CHIPs discussion phase: Use staked ATOM for gas on every Cosmos chain

We believe this feature holds significant potential for enhancing both usability and the value proposition of the Cosmos ecosystem. Allowing users to pay for gas across Cosmos chains with staked ATOM, without the need to transfer tokens over IBC, will streamline interactions and reduce friction. This capability would notably simplify the user experience, reduce operational costs, and ultimately drive more engagement across the Cosmos ecosystem. To ensure the successful implementation and long-term scalability of this feature, we propose a phased, strategic approach as follows:

  1. Develop Comprehensive Specifications for Scalability
    Begin by creating the necessary technical specifications to enable this system to operate at scale. A well-defined set of standards will ensure that the architecture is robust and adaptable, allowing for the secure integration of multiple chains and future expansions. This initial step is essential to prevent issues related to interoperability and to support a consistent user experience across all participating chains.

  2. Deploy with Close Partner Chains, Expanding within the Atom Economic Zone (AEZ)
    Start by launching the feature with select partner chains within the AEZ. This controlled deployment will enable focused testing, allowing us to identify potential technical and operational challenges. A gradual rollout within the AEZ will facilitate troubleshooting and provide initial user feedback, creating a solid foundation for broader implementation.

  3. Collaborate with Leading Wallet Providers for Seamless Integration
    Once operational, partnering with top wallet providers will be essential to ensure a smooth and user-friendly experience. Integrating this feature into widely-used wallets will lower the barrier to entry for users, allowing them to access this capability effortlessly. By optimizing the user interface and experience (UI/UX), we can better position Cosmos for mainstream adoption, as an easy-to-use interface is crucial for retaining both new and existing users.

  4. Expand Beyond the AEZ as Market Readiness Reaches Scale
    With a tested, refined system and integrated UI/UX, expansion beyond the AEZ becomes viable. By this stage, Cosmos will have established both the technical capacity and user demand to support gas payments with staked ATOM across other Cosmos chains, opening doors to a new level of cross-chain utility and accessibility for users across the ecosystem.

Each phase will incrementally build the infrastructure and user familiarity needed for this feature to succeed long-term. Through these steps, we can create a sustainable path to implementing this feature at scale, making Cosmos even more accessible and attractive as a unified ecosystem.

Conclusions:

The aspect of your proposal that resonates with us most is the integration of the feeGrant mechanism with staked tokens, effectively creating a utility-based liquid version of users’ staked delegations. This approach achieves two significant benefits: it bolsters the Hub’s security—its primary goal—while also enhancing the Cosmos app-chain experience without compromising the sovereignty of partner chains involved in the program. Participating chains, in turn, can enjoy the added advantage of streamlined user onboarding, allowing them to facilitate network access without needing to substitute their native token for gas if they so choose.


On behalf of the PRO Delegators’ validator team, we look forward to see the proposition advancing to the “Signaling Phase” and want to share our full support.
Govmos.
pro-delegators-sign

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