> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://lava-network.gitbook.io/lava-network-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://lava-network.gitbook.io/lava-network-docs/6.-usdlava-tokenomics-utility-and-value-accrual.md).

# 6. $LAVA Tokenomics (Utility & Value Accrual)

The native token of the ecosystem, **$LAVA**, is the lifeblood of the network. While exact supply metrics will be published closer to the Token Generation Event (TGE), the core utilities include:

* **Enterprise Payments:** AI companies, Web3 developers, and data researchers will pay for Lava Network's decentralized bandwidth and RPC services using fiat or crypto, which will be converted to $LAVA.
* **Validator Rewards:** Fees generated by the network are distributed to the active node operators (users) in $LAVA tokens.
* **Staking & Governance:** Future updates will allow top-tier validators to stake $LAVA to access higher-tier routing requests and vote on protocol upgrades.


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