Stellar Bell Upgrade Goes Live on Testnet Ahead of Mainnet Vote

Stellar’s Bell protocol upgrade is now live on its testnet, a rollout milestone ahead of a mainnet vote by validators on the proposed network changes.

The update requires wallets and indexers to install software that supports the network changes. It also adds optional post-quantum signature verification for smart contracts, which developers can enable when needed.

Bell, also called Protocol 30, is designed to add smart-account capabilities and quantum-safe signature support, with ledger-speed improvements also part of the broader upgrade. Bell’s smart-account changes are intended for businesses using Stellar, which supports cross-border transactions. The new verification feature applies inside smart contracts; network transaction signatures continue to use Ed25519.

The vote schedule lists Nov. 23 for the mainnet vote, after a testnet vote scheduled for Nov. 3. The schedule was subject to change, and validators must approve the upgrade.