NEAR Protocol has activated 17 independent operators on its mainnet multi-party computation (MPC) network under a long-term funding program backed by Protocol emissions and governed by NEAR token holders. The move strengthens Chain Signatures, the signing infrastructure behind NEAR Intents and the protocol's cross-chain economy.

The development arrives alongside growing attention on NEAR's price structure, with the $4.50–$5.00 support zone and $6.00 resistance in focus. Crypto analyst Cyriptoman4 identified $7.50–$8.00 as a potential target if buyers successfully push the token above resistance.

NEAR Protocol Establishes Standing Funding for MPC Operators

According to NEAR Protocol, its MPC network now operates with 17 live mainnet operators funded by the Protocol. These independent operators support Chain Signatures, which enable NEAR Intents to facilitate transactions across different blockchain networks. MPC is a cryptographic technique in which multiple independent parties jointly produce signatures, so control over signing is distributed rather than concentrated with a single operator or server — an approach widely used for decentralized key management in blockchain infrastructure.

The change follows the approval of proposal HSP-007 by the House of Stake, NEAR's token-holder governance body. The measure shifts MPC node operations from discretionary grants to a standing program funded through Protocol emissions and governed by NEAR token holders.

NEAR's MPC network now runs with 17 live mainnet operators, funded by the Protocol. The MPC network is a decentralized network composed of highly reputable, independent operators that power Chain Signatures, the signing layer behind NEAR Intents. HSP-007, approved by House of…

— NEAR Protocol (@NEARProtocol) October 15, 2026

The active operators include Astro Stakers, Aurora, Bitwise, Blacksand, Everstake, Greenfield Capital, HashKey Cloud, Klever, Luganodes, MPCH Labs, Nansen, Natsai, Near One, Nodemonste, Stakin, Staking4All, and SVRN AI.

This funding model provides a defined structure for supporting the infrastructure behind NEAR's cross-chain services, establishing ongoing financial support rather than relying on individual grant decisions. Standing operator funding speaks to a familiar challenge for decentralized networks, whose long-running services depend on independent providers remaining active well beyond the lifespan of any single grant.

17 Operators Support Cross-Chain Infrastructure

The network's 17 independent operators contribute to the distributed infrastructure supporting Chain Signatures. Their participation spans staking, blockchain infrastructure, digital asset services, and analytics. Spreading signing responsibilities across operators with different specializations is designed to keep the network running without reliance on any single provider.

A standing funding program could help maintain operational continuity as NEAR Intents supports activity across multiple blockchain ecosystems. Governance through NEAR token holders also provides a framework for overseeing the program.

However, the operator count alone does not confirm increased adoption or stronger demand for NEAR. Cross-chain transaction volumes, NEAR Intents usage, and on-chain activity would provide additional evidence of the development's broader impact.

NEAR Price Faces $6 Resistance With $8 in Sight

Cyriptoman4 identified $4.50–$5.00 as NEAR's key support region, noting that the token had held this zone. The next major hurdle is $6.00 resistance, which could determine whether the bullish setup gains strength.

A sustained breakout above $6.00 could bring the $7.50–$8.00 target region into focus. However, such a move would depend on continued buying pressure and confirmation above resistance rather than a brief price spike.

Source: Cyriptoman4's X post

On the downside, a break below $4.50–$5.00 could weaken the technical structure and increase the risk of further losses. The analysis does not include current volume, RSI, or MACD readings to independently confirm momentum.

What Comes Next for NEAR?

Developments to watch include HSP-007 implementation, operator participation, and activity across NEAR Intents. These factors could help assess whether the funding change supports broader ecosystem growth.

Holding the $4.50–$5.00 zone would help preserve the established support area, while an advance beyond6.00 would strengthen the case for an upward move. The 17-node network represents a structural change for NEAR's cross-chain ecosystem, although the direction of the next price move remains unclear.

This article contains market analysis and price predictions. These are not guarantees. Crypto markets are volatile. Always DYOR. This is not financial advice.

Source: Tron Weekly