Ethereum isn’t trying to beat Bitcoin at being “digital gold.” Instead, it has a much bigger goal: replacing the old internet and financial systems that still control how users interact online. That’s the message from Hunter Horsley, CEO of crypto investment firm Bitwise, who recently shared his thoughts on Ethereum’s future.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Horsley explained that Ethereum’s strength lies not in competing with Bitcoin, but in building a foundation for modern apps and digital finance tools. Ethereum’s job, he argues, is to upgrade broken systems—not to fight over which coin is worth more.
Ethereum as a Web3 Operating System
Horsley compared Ethereum to a smartphone operating system. On a phone, apps for messaging, payments, or navigation all run on the same base technology. In the same way, Ethereum supports different decentralized applications (dApps) through smart contracts, which are like mini-programs running on the blockchain.
These smart contracts allow users and developers to create decentralized finance (DeFi) apps, identity systems, data storage tools, and marketplaces for digital assets—all without a central authority.
This structure means that Ethereum is more than just a cryptocurrency. It’s a full platform where builders can create new services, and where value is based on usage and impact—not just market price.
Open Access Powers Innovation
One of Ethereum’s most important features, according to Horsley, is its permissionless design. Anyone can build on Ethereum without asking for approval. The network is open, and its code is public. That leads to faster innovation, since developers around the world can contribute, copy, or improve the code.
This is a sharp contrast to traditional Web2 platforms like Google or Facebook, which tightly control what can be built and how systems can change. Ethereum, on the other hand, empowers users and developers to shape the future of the internet without being blocked by gatekeepers.
Big Upgrades Are Fueling Growth
Ethereum is also evolving fast. The next phase involves a modular network design that separates tasks like transaction validation (consensus), data storage, and execution into different layers. This approach boosts scalability and makes the network faster and cheaper to use.
According to testing data from MegaETH, Ethereum may soon be able to handle 1.7 billion gas per second, translating to about 130 million transactions per day. That’s a massive improvement over current limits.
In addition, the network’s data throughput recently reached 980 megabytes per second, showing that Ethereum is on track to support global-level applications. Most importantly, these changes still allow regular users to run nodes without expensive equipment—keeping the network decentralized and open.
Community Welcomes Web3 Vision
Ethereum’s community strongly supports this direction. Many early Ethereum supporters believe the platform was never meant to imitate the old internet (Web2), but to go far beyond it.
By removing centralized control and letting users own their data and money, Ethereum aims to offer services that traditional banks and tech giants simply can’t match.
However, not everyone agrees. Some Bitcoin supporters argue that Ethereum’s rise has slowed innovation in the Bitcoin ecosystem. That debate continues in online communities—but Ethereum’s backers say it’s not about competition; it’s about building entirely new tools and systems.
ETH Price Reflects Investor Confidence
While all this technical development is happening, Ethereum’s price is also on the rise. According to data from CoinGecko, ETH jumped over 3% in one day, reaching around $3,065 at the time of writing. That’s a 20% increase in the last seven days.
These gains are being seen as more than just a market rally. Investors and analysts say the rise reflects growing confidence in Ethereum’s roadmap, especially as new technologies like Layer 2 scaling, zkEVMs, and modular infrastructure become real.
Conclusion: Ethereum Wants to Rebuild the Internet
Ethereum’s future isn’t about outshining Bitcoin. It’s about breaking down old internet systems and replacing them with something better. With smart contracts, permissionless innovation, and scalable upgrades, Ethereum is positioning itself as the operating system of Web3.
As Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley explains, this vision is already starting to take shape. With increased developer activity, institutional interest, and user adoption, Ethereum is not just aiming to be a better blockchain—it’s trying to redefine how the internet works.
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