#17: How Web3 brings connectivity to the unconnected population
Using a decentralised model to bring internet to people where traditional telecom providers have found it unfeasible
Hi there, it’s Joachim 👋
Welcome to another edition of 'Web3What? by Joachim'! This week we are looking into connectivity and how the World Mobile Token connects the unconnected.
If you enjoyed this post, I would greatly appreciate if you clicked the ❤️ button on this post to help more people discover it on Substack.
Follow me on Twitter for more frequent updates: Link.
As the article below deals with digital assets, please note that this is not financial nor legal advice and for educational purposes only.
The World Mobile Token (WMT): Empowering Real-World Connectivity
In the rapidly evolving world of blockchain and decentralized technology, the World Mobile Token (WMT) stands out as a groundbreaking innovation. It is not just another cryptocurrency but a digital asset specifically designed to solve one of the most pressing global issues—connectivity. By leveraging blockchain technology, WMT enables an affordable, sustainable, and community-driven solution to bridge the digital divide. This article delves into the workings of the World Mobile Token, its core functionalities, and a real-world use case that showcases its transformative potential.
The Vision Behind World Mobile Token
The vision of World Mobile is simple yet profound: "To connect the unconnected." According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), over 2.7 billion people worldwide remain without internet access. This connectivity gap perpetuates social and economic inequalities, leaving many communities without access to education, healthcare, and financial services.
World Mobile Token (WMT) was created to address this issue. It forms the backbone of the World Mobile ecosystem, a decentralized mobile network powered by blockchain technology and supported by community-owned infrastructure. Through this ecosystem, WMT enables people worldwide, especially in underserved regions, to access affordable internet services and participate in the digital economy.
The World Mobile Ecosystem
To understand the significance of WMT, it is essential to grasp how the World Mobile ecosystem operates. This ecosystem is built on three primary components:
1. AirNodes
AirNodes are the physical infrastructure units that provide connectivity. These units can be installed on buildings, towers, or other structures to create a local mobile network. AirNodes are community-operated, which means local entrepreneurs or organizations can own and manage them. This decentralized approach reduces costs and ensures that communities have a vested interest in maintaining and expanding their networks.
2. EarthNodes
EarthNodes are the backbone of the World Mobile network, responsible for processing transactions, validating data, and maintaining the blockchain. They act as secure gateways for the network, ensuring that connectivity is reliable and scalable.
3. World Mobile Chain
At the heart of the ecosystem lies the World Mobile Chain, a blockchain that powers the network. It is designed to ensure transparency, efficiency, and decentralization. The chain is supported by the Cardano blockchain, known for its scalability and energy efficiency.
The Role of World Mobile Token (WMT)
WMT is the utility token of the World Mobile ecosystem, facilitating transactions, incentivizing network participation, and ensuring a sustainable economic model. Here’s how WMT functions within the ecosystem:
1. Incentivizing Connectivity Providers
Individuals or organizations that deploy AirNodes and EarthNodes earn WMT as rewards for their contribution to the network. These rewards incentivize the expansion of the World Mobile network, ensuring that connectivity reaches even the most remote areas.
2. Pay-As-You-Go Services
Users of the network can pay for internet access using WMT. This pay-as-you-go model ensures affordability, as users only pay for the data they consume, eliminating the need for expensive long-term contracts.
3. Decentralized Governance
WMT holders have the power to participate in the governance of the World Mobile ecosystem. Through decentralized decision-making processes, the community can propose and vote on network upgrades, policies, and other key decisions.
4. Sustainability
Unlike traditional telecom models that rely heavily on centralized infrastructure and high operational costs, the World Mobile ecosystem’s reliance on blockchain and WMT ensures cost efficiency and sustainability. This model reduces capital expenditure while providing fair revenue distribution to network participants.
A Real-World Use Case: Transforming Zanzibar
One of the most compelling examples of WMT’s potential lies in the ongoing project in Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania. Despite its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture, Zanzibar has long struggled with limited internet connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The Challenge
Zanzibar’s digital divide has hindered economic growth, access to education, and healthcare services. Traditional telecom providers have found it economically unfeasible to invest in the infrastructure needed to connect remote areas, leaving many communities without internet access.
The Solution: World Mobile and WMT
World Mobile entered Zanzibar with a vision to revolutionize its connectivity landscape. By deploying AirNodes across the region, the company has created a community-driven mobile network that leverages WMT to power its operations. Here’s how it works:
Community Ownership
Local entrepreneurs are empowered to own and operate AirNodes. These entrepreneurs earn WMT based on the amount of data their AirNodes provide to users. This creates a self-sustaining economic model where the community directly benefits from the network.Affordable Access
Residents of Zanzibar can access the internet through the World Mobile network by paying with WMT or local currency. This affordable model ensures that even low-income households can enjoy the benefits of connectivity.Education and Healthcare Schools and healthcare facilities in Zanzibar are now leveraging the World Mobile network to access online resources, telemedicine, and e-learning platforms. This connectivity is transforming lives, enabling students to receive quality education and patients to consult with medical professionals remotely.
Economic Growth With improved connectivity, local businesses in Zanzibar can access global markets, adopt digital payment systems, and streamline their operations. This fosters economic growth and job creation, lifting entire communities out of poverty.
The Broader Impact of World Mobile Token
While Zanzibar serves as a showcase for WMT’s potential, the implications of this technology extend far beyond any single region. By democratizing connectivity, WMT is paving the way for a more inclusive global digital economy. Here are some of its broader impacts:
1. Bridging the Digital Divide
WMT and the World Mobile ecosystem address the root causes of the digital divide, providing a scalable and sustainable solution that can be replicated in underserved regions worldwide.
2. Promoting Financial Inclusion
With internet access, individuals in remote areas can access digital financial services, including mobile banking, microloans, and cryptocurrency wallets. This empowers them to participate in the global economy.
3. Fostering Innovation
Improved connectivity fosters innovation in various sectors, from agriculture to education. For instance, farmers can access real-time weather data and market information, while students can participate in online learning programs.
4. Environmental Sustainability
The decentralized infrastructure of World Mobile is energy-efficient, leveraging renewable energy sources wherever possible. This aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and reduce carbon footprints.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While the potential of WMT is immense, it is not without challenges. Regulatory hurdles, competition from traditional telecom providers, and the need for widespread adoption are some of the barriers the project faces. However, World Mobile has shown resilience and innovation in addressing these challenges, as evidenced by its success in Zanzibar.
Looking ahead, the future of WMT is promising. With plans to expand into other regions, including sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, World Mobile is poised to become a global leader in decentralized connectivity. The growing adoption of blockchain technology and the increasing demand for affordable internet services further bolster its prospects.
Conclusion
The World Mobile Token is more than just a cryptocurrency; it is a catalyst for change. By combining blockchain technology with community-driven infrastructure, WMT is revolutionizing the way the world connects. The real-world use case in Zanzibar exemplifies its transformative power, demonstrating how connectivity can drive social and economic progress.
As the World Mobile ecosystem continues to grow, it holds the potential to reshape the global digital landscape, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age. Through WMT, the dream of a connected, inclusive, and sustainable world is becoming a reality.
Thank you for joining me in this weeks issue of "Web3What? by Joachim", enjoy your week and you'll soon hear about more Web3 takes from me again.
Invite your friends and earn rewards
If you enjoy ‘Web3What? by Joachim’, please share it with your friends and earn rewards when they subscribe.
Comments? Questions? Specific topic you want me to write about? Let me know!
This newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. It does not offer or is intended to offer legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Please do your own research and consult with your own legal, tax, investment, or financial advisors before engaging in any transaction. I may own some of the tokens mentioned in this newsletter. Some of the links in this newsletter may be affiliate or referral links.