Pi Network’s Open Network Set to Go Live on February 20

Pi Network has announced that it will officially launch its Open Network at 8 AM UTC on February 20, 2025. This marks the network’s transition to the Open Network phase of Mainnet.

This launch signifies the conclusion of the Enclosed Mainnet period, which began in December 2021. Throughout this period, the Mainnet was operational but safeguarded by a firewall.

Pi’s Open Network Will Launch In February 

The transition to the Open Network introduces external connectivity to the Pi blockchain. This will enable the network to interact with other compliant networks and systems. Additionally, it will allow Pioneers to conduct transactions beyond the Pi ecosystem.

“Pi is ready to open its utilities-driven ecosystem where our now over 19 million identity-verified Pioneers can use Pi—a cryptocurrency with real-world functions and applications backing it,” the announcement read.

Notably, the Enclosed Mainnet phase allowed for essential development work, such as Know Your Customer (KYC) verification for Pioneers and the establishment of core features within the Pi ecosystem. Developers were also given time to build real applications to ensure the network would have functional utilities by the time it opened up to the broader public.

As per the announcement, the Open Network launch date was set based on the completion of key conditions. The first was the completion of all necessary technical, product, business, and legal work

The second condition saw 19 million Pioneers verifying their identity, surpassing the 15 million target. Furthermore, the migration of 10.14 million Pioneers to Mainnet exceeded the original 10 million goal.

The network has also launched over 100 Mainnet or Mainnet-ready apps. Lastly, the third condition mandates no launch delays due to external factors.

The transition from Testnet to Mainnet will occur gradually, with priority given to strong contributors within the Pi community.

Following the announcement, crypto exchange OKX confirmed that it will list PI on the same day as the launch. Spot trading will be available for the PI/USDT pair.

Despite the enthusiasm, the project has been a center of substantial criticism. Concerns about its credibility have arisen from previous delays in the mainnet launch, allegations of pyramid-like structures, and data privacy issues. 

“Pi’s open network will be a disappointment for more than half of the Pi Community as they are expecting unrealistic value,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Users have also noted delays in KYC verification

“If I’m not mistaken, been farming Pi since around 2020/2021, was consistent and stopped at a time. It’s been well above 1 year if not 2 years that my KYC on Pi has been pending. This is really sick,” another user revealed.

Meanwhile, the project has also been criticized by the anti-scam platform MASTR. The platform labeled Pi Network a scam.

“PI Network has nothing to do with the real project and will soon rug,” MASTR posted.

Previously, Vietnam’s authorities launched an investigation into Pi Network in 2023, citing concerns over its complex and unregulated model, potential ties to multi-marketing schemes, and lack of transparency.