vodacom

World Mobile announces collab with Vodacom Mozambique

by AerostatsPartnershipsRolloutUpdates

World Mobile, a trailblazer in technology-driven connectivity solutions, has launched an innovative aerostat trial in Mozambique in partnership with Vodacom Mozambique. The initiative marks a significant stride in World Mobile’s mission to connect remote and rural areas globally, identifying aerostats—tethered balloons equipped with telecommunications gear—as a promising solution for providing internet access to underserved communities. Micky Watkins, CEO of World Mobile, emphasized the potential of aerostats to unlock internet access for billions, citing their cost-effectiveness and rapid deployment as ideal for remote regions. Vodacom Mozambique’s pivotal role in the collaborative effort involves sharing spectrum and crucial resources, reflecting their commitment to innovation and connecting the unconnected.

The Mozambique trial represents more than a technological experiment; it symbolizes hope for numerous communities at the digital periphery. Success in the project could set the stage for similar initiatives across Africa and beyond, moving closer to a globally connected world. The trial, initiated in November, will run for a predetermined period to evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of aerostat technology in real-world scenarios, showcasing the power of collaboration and innovation to address pressing challenges in connectivity.

aerostat-mozambique

World Mobile Launches Africa’s First Commercial Telecoms Aerostat, Connecting Rural Mozambique

by AerostatsRolloutUpdates

World Mobile Group, the pioneering global mobile network leveraging blockchain and the sharing economy, has successfully launched its first aerostat in Mozambique, aiming to bridge the connectivity gap in the country.

With Mozambique’s low internet user rate of 23% and a significant rural population lacking infrastructure, World Mobile addresses the issue by introducing an accessible, affordable, and sustainable mobile network. The aerostats, deployed 300 meters into the air, provide last-mile connectivity with a custom radio payload, allowing direct connection for customers within a 130-kilometer radius. This technology overcomes challenges of terrain, infrastructure, and cost.

World Mobile’s blockchain foundation ensures transparency, efficiency, and security, offering a unique model for individuals and businesses to operate nodes and bring communities online while earning revenue. The launch near Massingir village initiates data gathering for future deployments across Mozambique, Africa, and other under-connected regions globally.

world-mobile-android-app

World Mobile Global App Released on the Google Play Store

by Mobile AppRolloutUpdates

World Mobile has officially launched its app on the Google Play Store after a successful Community Beta. The app, available in several countries including Tanzania, the USA, the UK, Canada, and Australia, is packed with features such as a Cardano wallet, fiat on-ramp, and Scan for Points functionality.

Originating in Zanzibar, the app initially focused on improving connectivity infrastructure and providing users with a decentralized identifier (DID). The global release follows a closed beta in Australia and a Community Beta in specific markets. Key features include the World Mobile Wallet for Cardano-based tokens, Fiat on Ramp for seamless currency exchange, Scan for Points to identify network weak spots, Network Service for data bundles, Mobile Money for digital transactions (exclusive to Zanzibar), and a Marketplace offering various products and services.

While some features may be limited by varying regulatory frameworks, the app represents a significant step toward World Mobile’s mission of delivering universal connectivity.

For more details on the global release phases please see this blog post on WorldMobile.io

adaptive-broadband

World Mobile and Adaptive Broadband Partner for Decentralized Wireless Connectivity in Rural Oregon

by Air NodesPartnershipsRollout

World Mobile has entered into a strategic partnership with Adaptive Broadband, a prominent rural wireless ISP based in Oregon and a subsidiary of Adaptive Ad Systems. This collaboration marks the initiation of World Mobile’s commercial operations in the USA, integrating its decentralized AirNode infrastructure and sharing economy into Adaptive Broadband’s existing network.

With over 15 years of experience in serving rural communities in Oregon, Adaptive Broadband will convert more than 70 of its radios, towers, and hotspots into AirNodes, validated and authenticated through the World Mobile blockchain (AYA). The partnership extends cellular coverage and Over-The-Top (OTT) services to rural areas near Salem, Oregon, transforming Adaptive Broadband into a comprehensive “three-play” provider and aligning with World Mobile’s mission of creating a more inclusive, connected world while generating revenue for its sharing economy.

esim

Decentralized Wireless Service launched in the USA with eSIM Technology

by eSIMRolloutUpdates

World Mobile has officially launched its mobile network in the United States, providing high-speed LTE data using 4G technology on CBRS and band 71 spectrum bands. The company plans to release a 5G service in 2024. Securing its US spectrum license agreements in June and Mobile Network Code in July 2023, World Mobile has developed a dynamic solution integrating its global decentralized mobile network with international roaming services.

At the Rare Evo blockchain event in Denver, the company unveiled the World Mobile eSIM—a data-only, embedded SIM card allowing cost-effective roaming across 45 countries and extended connectivity in remote areas using AirNodes. As the first global mobile network built on blockchain, World Mobile ensures user privacy and introduces ‘SIM staking,’ allowing users to earn cashback rewards by staking tokens against their eSIM. CEO Micky Watkins expressed excitement about disrupting the industry and creating a more inclusive and sustainable wireless ecosystem.

The eSIM-based service is set to be available from Friday, August 25, 2023, with interested customers able to register at esim.worldmobile.io.

spectrum

World Mobile Secures US Spectrum License

by Air NodesRollout

World Mobile is addressing the global issue of internet access by focusing on underserved communities. Despite significant internet connectivity, there are still about 3 billion people without access worldwide. In the United States, approximately 24 million people, including 19 million in rural areas and 1.4 million on Tribal lands, lack broadband access.

To combat this, World Mobile has achieved a crucial milestone by securing licensed spectrum in the USA. This spectrum, up to 20MHz in California, New Mexico, Nevada, and Utah, will be a key component of their hybrid dynamic network solution. The network combines licensed, shared, and unlicensed spectrum across aerial and ground assets to provide affordable and widespread connectivity.

With this spectrum, World Mobile plans to deploy decentralized network infrastructure (AirNodes) in underserved states, contributing to the federal government’s efforts to expand broadband access. The secured spectrum also positions World Mobile as the 52nd mobile network operator in the USA, pending FCC approval. This aligns with President Biden’s $42 billion high-speed internet initiative, addressing the digital divide and aiming for a more inclusive and connected nation. World Mobile’s innovative approach, combining blockchain technology and infrastructure, allows them to offer affordable connectivity crucial for underserved communities’ access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

world mobile pakistan deployment

Pakistan Deployment

by Rollout

World Mobile has announced its plans to deploy its network in Pakistan. This expansion follows the successful deployment of their network in Zanzibar, and World Mobile aims to replicate that success by adopting a similar approach in Pakistan. The initial phase of the rollout involves the deployment of four AirNodes, with a full commercial network set to launch soon.

This move marks World Mobile’s first commercial deployment outside of Africa and is seen as a strategic and important step for the company. Pakistan, with a population of over 220 million, has been making efforts to achieve rapid economic growth and improve living standards for its citizens. However, despite significant progress in mobile connectivity, there remains a usage gap, with only 10% of the population subscribing to mobile internet services.

World Mobile’s hybrid connectivity solution offers not only affordable connectivity but also the potential to support economic development in Pakistan. With the average monthly income in the country estimated at around $150, hosting World Mobile’s AirNodes presents an opportunity for individuals to earn additional income through the sharing economy model.

The announcement has generated excitement and enthusiasm, with World Mobile’s CEO expressing enthusiasm about contributing to the advancement of connectivity in Pakistan and leveraging the country’s dynamic and expanding economy. By addressing the affordability and accessibility challenges, World Mobile aims to play a significant role in closing the connectivity gap and supporting Pakistan’s development targets.

More information on the first rollout location can be found here, via World Mobile Twitter.

World Mobile Global App

Global App preview, AirNode Sales UX sneek peak plus more!

by RolloutUpdates

In a recent World Mobile Twitter Space on March 21st 2023, the team gave us our first look at the Global Mobile App (which is apparently coming very soon). The big highlight was not only the integrated $WMT and $ADA wallet, but the ability to purchase & sell $WMT via a built-in fiat on-ramp and off-ramp. Details of how this will work are yet to be shared but having the ability to purchase crypto via the app will open up the token to a much wider audience. The team also announced that several other ‘value added services’ will be integrated into the app.

Next on the agenda was WorldMobile’s update to WMTscan.com. Previously we could only see the number of AirNodes and their locations but now users can view the ‘Top 5’ AirNodes by revenue which show the estimated monthly earnings for the host. What’s also interesting to see are the DIDs (Decentralized identifiers) linked to these Top 5 earning AirNodes, something that World Mobile have been determined on bringing to the WM ecosystem since day one.

The update also gave us our first look at the AirNode Sales UX (Screenshots are for illustration only. Final designs subject to change). The new platform will allow the purchase of AirNodes around the world where anyone can start earning in the World Mobile economy. If you’re interested in owning an AirNode you can still register for early whitelist access to be one of the first AirNode owners – https://join.worldmobile.io.

Last but not least, we got to see a full World Mobile demo network up & running in New Hampshire, U.S.A, showcasing working Aerostat & Airnode connections with a Mobile Phone. This is just another step forward in the launch of the World Mobile network!

worldmobileapp

World Mobile sees first paying B2C customers via its Mobile App

by RolloutUpdates

On February 17th, World Mobile announced the onboarding of their first paying B2C customers along with the official release of the World Mobile Android application.

This follows several weeks of testing with local activators who were on-site to provide customers with an overview of the app, walk them through the Data Bundle purchasing process, and provide any further assistance if needed. After successful testing, the app has now been officially rolled-out in Zanzibar.

The team also showcased the Data Bundles available via the app. These are available for purchase directly with mobile money, or through the purchase of airtime vouchers in local stores. Affordable solutions on offer include 30-day bundles for travellers, plus 90-day expiry bundles for long-term users.

In addition, the app will allow network users to manage their data bundles and credit balance. The credits you see as ‘WUCTZ’ are ‘World Mobile Utility Credits Tanzania’.

While this credit balance will initially be exchanged for cash, in the future, customers will also be incentivised to earn WUCTZ by further participation in the World Mobile sharing economy.

As per the newly launched World Mobile Tanzania website https://worldmobile.co.tz, the team explain how you can easily get connected when in the region:

Our App is available on all Android phones beginning with 6.0. You can download it free from our World Mobile Network. Once in range you can connect to our World Mobile network. Then, just follow the instructions to download the App.

The website also shows a coverage map of locations where you can connect to the World Mobile network. Currently this includes over 200 AirNodes in Zanzibar City. More details regarding Decentralised Identifiers (DIDs) and the built in mobile wallet will be released shortly.

roadmap

World Mobile Releases Roadmap 2.0

by RolloutUpdates

As 2022 begins winding down, World Mobile is ramping up and has released an updated roadmap focusing on the next few quarters. It includes details on the current rollout, the mobile application, plus timeframes on Earth Node and Air Node operations.

More specifically, we’ll see an Earth Node Testnet by end of the year plus distribution of EN NFTs to all Earth Node owners. We’ll then see Mainnet launch in Q1 2023.

As the rollout continues into 2023, World Mobile will have it’s first paying customers in Tanzania which will set the stage to having more paying customers in a second African country. This means a second aerostat launch and implementation of fiat on-ramp via a payment gateway.

For more details check out the detailed 2.0 roadmap below or download the Roadmap PDF.