Roam: Building a global open wireless network

With the rapid development of blockchain technology in various fields, the decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) has not only become a high-profile concept, but some analysts believe that DePIN is not only becoming a new trend in crypto applications in the real world, but also a field with great potential. The open wireless network built by Roam will provide global users with a free, secure and seamless wireless access experience. Through the crypto incentive mechanism, Roam not only promotes the expansion of the network supply side, but also generates a large amount of valuable data, especially location information and time data. In the early stages of the project, many similar projects will develop their own blockchains, and users can obtain their native tokens through mining or whitelisting. However, the trend in recent years has been to issue tokens on other mature chains, such as Solana, IoTeX, Peaq, etc. This raises a question: Will these DePIN projects run like other decentralized applications (Dapps)? How to find the best way to promote growth and provide users with the greatest value? In this regard, Roam is exploring a new development path.

Roam: Leading the Next Generation of Wireless Connectivity

Currently, WiFi and cellular networks are the two main wireless communication methods. WiFi carries about 74% of mobile network traffic, while the remaining 26% is carried by cellular networks. However, both connection methods face their own challenges. Although most public WiFi networks are free, they usually lack security and users need to log in frequently, making it difficult to provide a smooth user experience like cellular networks. The biggest challenge of cellular networks at present is the high cost, especially when users use international roaming. In addition, the seamless connection between WiFi networks and cellular networks has not yet been truly realized.

Therefore, Roam is committed to building a decentralized global WiFi roaming network that provides a seamless, secure, and borderless Internet connection experience. By introducing OpenRoaming™ technology, decentralized identifiers (DIDs), and verifiable credentials (VCs), Roam enables users to easily connect to WiFi without cumbersome credentials or complex settings. This decentralized approach effectively improves user privacy and security, ensuring that users can roam freely between different networks while maintaining a stable and secure connection. It is worth mentioning that Roams network not only serves individuals, but also incorporates devices and artificial intelligence, providing diversified solutions for todays connected world.

To date, Roam has more than 1 million users in more than 190 countries, providing more than 3.5 million OpenRoaming™ nodes and 600,000 user-contributed nodes. According to Depinscan.io, Roam has become the third largest DePIN network in the world, fully demonstrating the important role Roam plays in building a more interconnected and collaborative network infrastructure around the world.

In order to better solve the WiFi connection problem, Roam provides users with free Roam eSIM packages worldwide, supporting the construction and verification of OpenRoaming WiFi networks. Through the cash flow generated by the network, Roam can provide free cellular network access services to builders in 196 countries around the world, thereby effectively starting the flywheel effect of DePIN and further accelerating the expansion and development of the network.

Beyond the existing DePIN model

Existing DePIN projects are usually based on blockchain L1 applications, with the main feature of connecting a large number of devices, and expecting to achieve network effects after scaling. However, as the Roam network continues to expand, we realize that it is necessary to upgrade and improve the existing DePIN operating model.

First, the core goal of DePIN should not just be to connect devices, but should focus on connecting people. The history of the Internet of Things (IoT) industry has shown that while a network of connected devices does have some value, this value will always be limited and local if it cannot be directly connected to users. Second, DePIN should interact with users by providing services, which are often not directly related to the blockchain itself. In other words, services should remain relatively independent from the blockchain, and Web3 technology should only be used as a tool for project implementation. Finally, DePIN is fundamentally a network that processes specific types of data, which either comes directly from devices or is generated through user interaction with devices.

Therefore, DePIN projects should not be simply regarded as Dapps running on blockchain L1, but as independent networks running in parallel with blockchain L1: both build networks through token incentives, maintain data ledgers, and promote the development of their upper-layer applications through the community. In this case, we regard some DePIN projects as Physical L1. If blockchain L1 is compared to a highway, applications are buses, and users are passengers, then Physical L1 is more like a telecommunications network or power grid, connecting users by providing services and supporting the operation of the highway.

Roams role in telecom data networks

Physical L1 refers to the network built by connecting devices to process specific types of data, so that applications can be developed on it to serve users. This model is an important extension of DePIN, and Roams telecommunications data network is the first successful practice based on the Physical L1 model. Roam and blockchain L1 have the following similarities:

1. Build a node network to maintain the data ledger

Roam has formed a huge network system by building a large number of Roam mining nodes. Each node not only provides network services to users, but also accurately generates location and time data in the process of interacting with users. These data ledgers are maintained in the back-end nodes outside the chain, and recorded and stored on Solana and other collaborative blockchains through cross-chain bridge technology. In contrast, the network nodes of blockchain L1 are mainly responsible for processing and saving on-chain transaction data, and the data ledger itself constitutes the foundation of the blockchain.

2. Network expansion through token incentives

Similar to blockchain L1, Roam uses a mining mechanism to incentivize users to participate in network construction and the development of its upper-layer applications. The token incentive mechanism is mainly used to promote the development of the network supply side. Roams node providers are responsible for providing wireless network services, while network validators will personally test and verify the connectivity of the network in various places. Since the Roam network can generate actual cash income, the Roam Growth product not only provides node providers with income opportunities, but token-based income products are also very common in the construction of blockchain L1 nodes, especially in blockchains that adopt the Proof of Stake (PoS) mechanism, such as Ethereum.

3. Community-driven growth

Community is the core driver of growth. Roam brings a new operating model to telecom service providers, completely breaking the traditional pay-for-use model. Users can build the network together by deploying WiFi OpenRoaming™ nodes or participating in network verification, and then get free services and token incentives. Roams commercial revenue mainly comes from companies that use Roam hardware devices to conduct business or sell goods and services to Roam users. The power of the community is the key to the success of this free operating model. Without a large and active community, this free business model will not be sustainable.

Roam’s Vision

Roam is committed to building a new generation of global open wireless networks, aiming to achieve free, secure and seamless network connections. By adopting the Physical L1 model, Roam has built a network based on location and time data ledgers, and promoted the supply and use side expansion of the network through token incentive mechanisms, realizing community-led management and development. This model is consistent with Roams mission to create a more open and diverse ecosystem to bring lasting value and benefits to users.

This strategic move marks a new era for the Roam ecosystem focused on sustainable innovation and growth.

Roams ecosystem consists of four core modules: Roam Network, Roam Growth Product, Roam Discover and Roam Community. Roam Network will focus on the development and maintenance of core infrastructure, including the construction and operation of Roam applications and network nodes. Roam Growth aims to attract enterprises to settle in and encourage them to develop applications that can bring double benefits to the enterprises themselves and Roam network builders. Roam Discover focuses on supporting individuals to start entrepreneurial projects within the Roam ecosystem and provides them with key support. Roam Community is a platform that promotes communication and cooperation among members, promoting information sharing and network participation.

In terms of user engagement, Roam will shift from traditional reward mechanisms (such as discounts and airdrops) to building deeper relationships with users and encouraging them to actively participate in network construction.

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