Bitcoin holders are set to receive a matching balance of a new asset called ecash (ECX) as Layertwo Labs prepares a three-stage hard-fork rollout. The initiative, led by longtime Bitcoin developer Paul Sztorc (also known as Truthcoin), is slated to begin with an alpha launch around Bitcoin block height 963,648.
How the ECX Distribution Will Work
According to the project, balances on the new ECX chain will mirror Bitcoin balances at the time of the fork. In practice, this means Bitcoin holders at the fork block are expected to be able to access an equivalent amount of ECX on the new network.
The rollout is described as three-stage, beginning with an alpha phase at or near block 963,648. Further phases are expected to follow after the alpha launch, with additional technical details and timelines to be provided by the project as development progresses.
Project Backing and Leadership
The ECX launch is being organized by Layertwo Labs, a firm founded by Paul Sztorc. Sztorc is known in the Bitcoin community for his work on Truthcoin/Hivemind and for advocating Bitcoin scaling and sidechain concepts. Layertwo Labs is positioning ECX as part of a broader effort to experiment with new features via a separate chain while referencing Bitcoin’s existing holder base for its initial distribution.
Name and Ticker Clarification
The project refers to its asset as “ecash” with the ticker ECX. This should not be confused with “eCash” (XEC), a separate and unrelated cryptocurrency. The ECX distribution described here specifically pertains to the new chain initiated by Layertwo Labs.
What to Watch Next
Participants should monitor official communications from Layertwo Labs for the final fork block confirmation, technical documentation, and any instructions related to accessing ECX balances after the alpha launch.