When Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina two months ago, the devastation was overwhelming. Over 230 people lost their lives and damages exceeded $53 billion, leaving thousands cut off from communication with the outside world. Amidst this crisis, World Mobile, a blockchain-powered telecoms disruptor, provided a lifeline with its decentralized connectivity solutions to people affected by the crisis.
How Blockchain Delivered Lifesaving Connectivity After HurricaneHelene #CryptoDaily w/@WorldMobileTeam https://t.co/gK9v2w57xN
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) December 10, 2024
On the ground in North Carolina, World Mobile deployed its AirNodes, which are wireless devices that deliver cellular coverage to handsets, directly in the most affected areas. These nodes were flown into the disaster zones, with remote locations made accessible with the help of Charles Hoskinson, founder of Ethereum and Cardano’s Black Hawk helicopter. Each AirNode provided a one-mile radius of coverage, enabling survivors to reconnect with loved ones and access critical services.
AirNodes work through a global backhaul system that links them to the internet and turns this connectivity into a cellular connection. World Mobile employs a mix of backhaul technologies, including fiber optics and satellite systems in normal operation – However, in disaster-stricken areas like North Carolina, only satellite backhaul was available due to the extent of the damage to infrastructure in the local area.
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For this application, Starlink’s satellite backhaul proved indispensable, and the two services worked in conjunction with each other to ensure survivors could communicate when it mattered most, even in areas without intact infrastructure. CEO Micky Watkins highlighted the significance of the deployment:
“We are committed to supporting communities when they need us the most. The rapid deployment of our DePIN network in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene demonstrates the vital role that innovative connectivity solutions can play in disaster recovery.”
The deployment was captured in “Connecting the Disconnected”, a documentary that premiered on the X of Web3 pioneer Mario Nawful yesterday. The film highlights the scalability and efficiency of blockchain-powered solutions and emphasizes the humanitarian potential that DePIN has when it matters the most.
World Mobile’s work during Hurricane Helene is just one example of the broader impact of its decentralized network. The company recently surpassed 500,000 daily users, demonstrating the scalability of its blockchain-driven approach. Additionally, AirNode sales are consistently met with overwhelming demand, with the last of World Mobile’s recent sales selling out in under three minutes. Add to this that operators who manage AirNodes can earn up to $1,000 per month, and you have a compelling case for something that could truly catch on.
The $1.7 trillion telecom industry is long overdue for a shake-up. Legacy providers face increasing scrutiny for inefficiencies, data privacy concerns, and monopolistic practices, and now World Mobile is offering a decentralized alternative that empowers users and prioritizes transparency. With new applications emerging and proven success in disaster response, the company is leading the charge for a fairer, more resilient future in global communication.
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