Initiative backed by DePIN aims to enhance internet accessibility in India
Wifi Dabba, an internet service provider operating on the Solana blockchain, has announced an ambitious plan to expand internet connectivity in India by deploying over 100,000 devices nationwide. The initiative, known as the DePIN project, aims to bridge the digital divide by the end of the year. Currently, only 30 million out of India’s 1.4 billion population have access to WiFi, leaving a significant portion disconnected from the internet.
The company’s strategy revolves around decentralization to address the limited coverage provided by major telecom corporations, which mainly serve urban areas. Karam Lakshman, CEO of Wifi Dabba, expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress in expanding connectivity and believes it could take decades to achieve nationwide coverage. He emphasized the importance of widespread internet access to support India’s role as the world’s second-largest holder of cryptocurrency and the fifth-largest global economy.
Lakshman highlighted the potential of blockchain technology in providing reliable internet access, with device maintenance handled by external providers. He sees the DePIN model as a scalable solution to improve connectivity in developing nations. The project aims to utilize India as a testing ground for global applications.
To expand its network, Wifi Dabba plans to collaborate with Local Cable Operators (LCOs) in India, leveraging their existing reach within communities. This partnership aims to drive growth and establish market leadership in decentralized wireless and WiFi networks. Arul Murugan, Managing Partner at Borderless Capital, one of the project’s major investors, acknowledged the potential of this collaboration.
To encourage participation, the project encourages hotspot owners to purchase Wifi Dabba’s router hardware and partner with local cable operators for deployment. In addition, Dabba tokens will be offered as rewards for data usage. The campaign will primarily target areas with a high demand for paid WiFi connectivity.
Dawn Philip, Wifi Dabba’s head of communications, predicts a significant increase in DePIN usage by 2024, especially in developing nations. He echoed Lakshman’s sentiments, emphasizing the opportunities in regions where infrastructure development is urgently needed.
This development coincides with the growing acceptance of blockchain technology in various sectors across India. In February 2024, Indian eSports startup STAN announced a partnership with blockchain platform Aptos Labs, with the aim of creating an eSports fan platform on the Aptos blockchain. This platform will allow Indian gamers to interact with their favorite creators.
Furthermore, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) recently introduced non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as tickets. Passengers on the Tejas Express trains will have the opportunity to acquire limited NFTs during their travels from March 20 to April 2.
The expansion of Wifi Dabba’s network and the broader adoption of blockchain technology in India demonstrate the country’s increasing interest in technological innovation and its potential to drive progress in various sectors.
