Bitcoin network fees have recently soared to a two-year high, reaching an average cost of $31.14 per transaction, with some attributing the increase to a surge in interest in Ordinals – a protocol for minting NFT-like assets on Bitcoin. This has generated concerns regarding the feasibility of using Bitcoin for everyday transactions, as demonstrated by a tweet from Marce Romero, who highlighted the exorbitant cost of a $100 transaction in El Salvador.
A contributing factor to the high fees is the process of getting a transaction approved by a miner. Miners utilize powerful, industrial-sized computers to solve complex problems, thereby validating transactions and earning Bitcoin in return. When the Bitcoin network experiences high traffic, transaction fees increase as a means to prioritize more lucrative transactions.
Despite the high fees cited by Romero, Bitcoin users can opt to pay lower fees when sending or receiving the cryptocurrency. However, this decision comes with the risk of extended waiting times as miners tend to prioritize transactions with higher fees. Bitcoin transactions with no fees may be overlooked completely by miners, leading to transactions that never reach their intended destinations.
For users seeking lower fees, the Lightning Network offers a viable alternative. As a “second-layer solution,” the Lightning Network expedites transactions by bypassing the main Bitcoin blockchain. This innovation is being championed by major companies like Jack Dorsey-backed Spiral and MicroStrategy in hopes of achieving widespread adoption.
While the high transaction fees can be problematic for everyday users, they also serve as an indicator of the growing usage and demand for Bitcoin. The conflict lies in whether the increased fees will stifle the practicality and adoption of the cryptocurrency for everyday transactions or simply push users towards alternatives like the Lightning Network. As it stands, Bitcoin will need to navigate these challenges to remain a feasible option for transactions in countries like El Salvador, where the average salary is significantly lower.
In conclusion, the recent increase in Bitcoin fees has raised concerns about the currency’s viability for everyday use, particularly in countries with lower average incomes. While there are alternatives like the Lightning Network that offer more affordable fees, the ongoing challenge lies in balancing the practicality of Bitcoin transactions against the surging demand and usage of the network. How this technological landscape evolves and adapts will determine whether cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin will become a truly mainstream and accessible form of finance.
Source: Decrypt
