text: # Hippius Storage Blockchain Subnet Launch Announcement: Release Schedule and Key Dates
  
  We are thrilled to announce the official launch of the Hippius Network, a dedicated storage subnet of the Bittensor ecosystem built as its own blockchain! As a blockchain subnet, Hippius ensures transparency, decentralization, and trustlessness—core principles that align with Bittensor’s vision for a decentralized future. Building a blockchain requires careful planning and execution, which is why we are taking a cautious and methodical approach to this rollout to ensure stability and reliability for all participants. Below is the detailed schedule for our launch, including key milestones for the network's opening, stabilization phase, and feature releases. Join us as we strengthen the Bittensor ecosystem with cutting-edge, decentralized storage solutions.
  
  ## Phase 1: Initial Launch – March 19, 2025
  - **Date and Time**: March 19, 2025, 10:00 AM UTC+4  
  - **Details**:  
    - Official release of the Hippius Network website, documentation, and GitHub repository.  
  - **What to Expect**:  
    The website will provide an overview of Hippius as a blockchain-based storage subnet of Bittensor, the GitHub repository will contain the source code and resources for developers, and the documentation will offer detailed guides for miners, validators, and users to get started ( ansible script for easy setup too ).
  
  ## Phase 2: Network Stabilization and Miner Onboarding – March 19–26, 2025
  - **Duration**: 1 week (March 19 to March 26, 2025)  
  - **Details**:  
    - Our team will closely monitor the blockchain network, assist miners and validators, and ensure stability during this initial phase.  
    - We will begin by onboarding IPFS miners, followed by S3 miners later in the week.  
  - **What to Expect**:  
    Given the complexities of launching a blockchain, we’re taking extra care to ensure everything runs smoothly. Miners and validators are encouraged to join early, set up their nodes, and report any issues. We’ll be providing active support through our community channels to ensure a seamless rollout and integration with the broader Bittensor ecosystem.
  
  ## Phase 3: Dashboard Launch and Storage Products – March 26, 2025 (Tentative)
  - **Date**: March 26, 2025 (pending successful stabilization)  
  - **Details**:  
    - Launch of the Hippius Network dashboard.  
    - Introduction of storage products available for purchase.  
  - **What to Expect**:  
    Assuming the blockchain network stabilizes as expected, users will gain access to the dashboard, where they can explore and purchase storage products tailored to their needs within the Bittensor ecosystem ( with TAO, Alpha and FIAT ). 
  
  ## Phase 4: Bridge Release for Alpha Token Transfer with Bittensor – April 2, 2025 (Tentative)
  - **Date**: April 2, 2025 (one week after dashboard launch, pending successful prior phases)  
  - **Details**:  
    - Release of the bridge for alpha token transfer between the Hippius blockchain and the broader Bittensor network.  
  - **What to Expect**:  
    The Hippius subnet does not create a new token on its blockchain; instead, it uses the alpha token. This bridge will enable seamless transfer of the alpha token between the Hippius blockchain and other components of Bittensor, marking a significant step toward full interoperability in our alpha phase. More technical details and guides for utilizing the bridge will be shared as we approach this milestone ( Alpha used as reward and means of paiement in the marketplace pallet ).
  
  ## Important Notes
  - All dates beyond Phase 1 are tentative and depend on the successful completion of prior phases. We will provide updates if adjustments are needed, as blockchain launches require careful validation at every step.  
  - We chose to build Hippius as a blockchain subnet of Bittensor to ensure maximum transparency, decentralization, and community governance. This approach allows anyone to verify transactions, participate in consensus, and trust in a system free from centralized control.  
  - We encourage community participation! Join us as miners, validators, or early adopters to help shape Hippius and contribute to the Bittensor ecosystem. Stay tuned to our website and GitHub for guides, updates, and further announcements.  
  - If you have questions or need assistance during the launch, feel free to reach out here on Discord or through other official channels announced on our website.
  
  Let’s build the future of decentralized storage within Bittensor together with the Hippius blockchain! :rocket:
  
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  **Hippius Subnet Team**