# 5.1 $QBT — Gas and Work Token

$QBT is a utility and governance token that performs three structurally distinct functions, each generating independent demand linked to network usage:

#### Function 1: Network Gas

All API calls are denominated in $QBT. Holding and spending $QBT is required to access QuantaRail services. Gas fees are adjustable via governance to maintain a stable USD-equivalent cost for end users.

#### Function 2: Operator Staking Collateral

Operators are required to stake $QBT in proportion to the number of nodes deployed. This collateral is subject to slashing in the event of SLA violations, proof failures, or PoSv fraud. Network expansion directly drives $QBT demand.

#### Function 3: Governance

Staked $QBT holders participate in governance by voting on protocol parameters, including LTV ratios, fee allocation, concentration limits, and insurance fund thresholds. Voting power is strictly proportional to staked amounts, preventing transient vote-buying.

#### Burn Mechanism

15% of all API fees are permanently burned via the fee router. This rate is governance-adjustable within a 10–25% band. The mechanism is deterministic and usage-linked:

**More API calls → more burn → increased supply scarcity**

*Figure 5.A — $*QBT *Demand Sources and Structural Necessity*

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="180.33331298828125"></th><th width="167.33331298828125"></th><th width="220.1112060546875"></th><th width="180.11114501953125"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Demand Source</td><td>Driver</td><td>Structural Necessity</td><td>Price Elasticity</td></tr><tr><td>API Gas Fees</td><td>API usage volume</td><td>Required for service access</td><td>Low (no substitutes)</td></tr><tr><td>Operator Staking</td><td>Node deployment</td><td>Mandatory requirement</td><td>Low (obligatory)</td></tr><tr><td>Governance Staking</td><td>Protocol participation</td><td>Required for voting rights</td><td>Moderate (optional)</td></tr><tr><td>Burn (Supply Reduction)</td><td>Fee volume</td><td>Automatic per transaction</td><td>None (deterministic)</td></tr></tbody></table>


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