Ethereum Developers Launch First Testnet for Pectra Hard Fork

Ethereum developers have deployed the Mekong test network to trial the Pectra upgrade.

As a pre-devcon treat, @ethPandaOps just launched a short-lived Pectra testnet: Mekong ?️

You can use it to try out EIP-7702, MaxEB consolidations, and more ? https://t.co/GVbT9spDr5

— timbeiko.eth (@TimBeiko) November 7, 2024

The aim is to assess the impact of the EIP before the mainnet launch in the first half of 2025.

The proposals include improvements in account abstraction, changes in validator operations, and enhanced network performance.

An increase in the maximum validator stake limit from 32 to 2048 ETH is anticipated.

“We might see some minor spec changes or smaller EIPs. But all features will be included in existing public testnets [like Sepolia] and the mainnet,” the statement reads.

Initially, Pectra was set to include 20 EIPs. This was later reduced to eight.

Developers described Mekong as a “playground” where wallet creators can test the updated user experience, and stakers can familiarize themselves with the proposed code changes and features.

Earlier, the Ethereum team proposed splitting the major Pectra upgrade into two parts. The first phase is planned for activation in early 2025.

Previously, JPMorgan called the upcoming upgrade a significant event for the prospects of the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization.