Solana (SOL) continues to hold firm around the $140 mark, even as persistent network congestion challenges its scalability and user experience. Despite delays and elevated failure rates in transaction processing, strong on-chain volume, supportive technical indicators, and growing institutional interest are helping SOL retain its footing.
Why SOL Is Holding Steady at $140
SOL has found firm technical support near $140, a level consistently defended by buyers. Even amid broader crypto volatility, that zone has cushioned pullbacks and offered a floor for rebound. That resilience isn’t just chart theory; on-chain metrics show high trading throughput and institutional activity keeping confidence intact .
At the same time, network congestion is real. Users are reporting transaction delays of 20–40 seconds, failure rates reaching up to 80%, and actual throughput of only about 1,100–1,200 TPS—far below the advertised capacity. That friction could undermine usability and investor sentiment if not addressed .
Technical Picture: Consolidation with Bullish Potential
SOL’s price action in recent weeks shows consolidation above $130–$135, with bullish signals building gradually. Technical indicators like RSI and MACD suggest upward momentum, while resistance zones are forming near $140–$145 .
A breakout above $145 would likely trigger the next phase of gains. Support near $134–$135 remains steady, offering a buffer against any sharp downturns .
Network Congestion: Causes and Consequences
Network congestion is more than a temporary annoyance—it’s a structural issue:
- On-chain bottlenecks: Delays, high failure rates, and inflated transaction queues mean users face blocks or delays even for routine transfers .
- Fee dynamics: Priority fees (tips) now account for over 97% of transaction cost, signaling that users must pay more to be included in blocks—which may limit everyday use .
- Broken expectations: Reports consistently show SOL maxes out around 1,200 TPS under stress—far from its marketed 50K TPS—and performance is uneven, especially during DDoS or memecoin surges .
Together, these factors risk undermining SOL’s reputation. Investors may grow cautious if the network continues to struggle under load and user frustration rises .
Context & Real-World Trends
On the bright side, SOL’s ecosystem continues to expand:
- On-chain spot volume surged to $1.6 trillion in 2025, ranking second only to Binance and far outpacing centralized platforms like Coinbase .
- Stablecoin use remains robust, bolstering system liquidity and engagement.
- Technical developments are in motion to address congestion, although more durable solutions are still needed for long-term reliability .
“Solana is holding around $140 despite real congestion issues—supported by on-chain volume and ecosystem growth, but the network must address delays before scale becomes a meaningful threat.”
Strategic Takeaways for Investors
- Support near $134–$140 is holding for now. A move above $145 could provoke a rally; slipping below $130 may test lower levels.
- Persistent congestion could erode user trust over time. Monitoring network performance improvements is key for longer-term positioning.
- The network’s spot volume and institutional activity provide a structural backstop for SOL’s price—even in the face of technical friction.
Conclusion
SOL’s ability to anchor near $140 speaks to its ecosystem strength, but network congestion remains a murky undercurrent threatening usability. If improvements materialize, SOL could be poised for a fresh breakout; otherwise, friction may continue to weigh on sentiment.
FAQs
Why is SOL stuck around $140 despite network issues?
Technical support zones near $140 are reinforcing the price, while high on-chain volume and stable institutional interest continue to hold investor sentiment in check.
How bad is Solana’s network congestion right now?
Quite severe—users report waits of 20–40 seconds, up to 80% failed transactions, and real throughput closer to 1,100–1,200 TPS under load, far below ideal capacity.
Can SOL break above $145?
It can—technical indicators like RSI and MACD suggest bullish potential. A close above that level could ignite further gains.
What risks does congestion pose to price action?
Transaction delays, failures, and higher cost can erode usability and trust, potentially discouraging new users or triggering sell-offs if not addressed.
Are there signs of improvement?
On-chain volume and ecosystem activity are growing, and priority fee data shows evolving cost dynamics. However, deeper infrastructure fixes remain urgent.
Should investors worry long-term?
If congestion persists and user frustration mounts, market perception could shift. Still, SOL’s liquidity and adoption provide a strong foundation—watch for infrastructure resolution as the litmus test.