Two months ago, Hurricane Helene tore through North Carolina, leaving destruction in its wake. Over 230 lives were lost, and damages surpassed $53 billion, with entire communities cut off from communication. In this critical moment, World Mobile, a leader in decentralized telecom solutions, stepped in with its AirNodes to restore connectivity in affected areas.
How Blockchain Delivered Lifesaving Connectivity After HurricaneHelene #CryptoDaily w/@WorldMobileTeam https://t.co/gK9v2w57xN
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) December 10, 2024
World Mobile’s AirNodes – DePIN devices that deliver localized cellular coverage – were the cornerstone of World Mobile’s response. Deployed by Black Hawk helicopter with the assistance of Charles Hoskinson, founder of Ethereum and Cardano, the nodes create coverage zones with a one-mile radius, meaning survivors could make emergency calls, contact loved ones, and access critical resources despite the collapse of traditional communications infrastructure.
The success of the initiative depended on the presence of a robust backhaul system, which connects the AirNodes to the broader internet. World Mobile uses various backhaul technologies in everyday situations, including fiber optics and microwave links, but in Helene-hit areas, satellite connectivity was the only available method of backhaul due to widespread damage to the infrastructure.
Starlink’s satellite signal was delivered to AirNodes, which then transformed it into cellular coverage, ensuring rapid deployment in areas without functional ground-based infrastructure. This technological flexibility allowed World Mobile to provide connectivity where it was needed most. CEO Micky Watkins explained the company’s commitment to disaster response:
“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 entire deployment process was documented in Connecting the Disconnected, a film premiered by Web3 thought leader Mario Nawful yesterday on X. The documentary showcases the scalability and efficiency of decentralized technology in disaster recovery, emphasizing the life-changing impact of blockchain-powered solutions.
While the relief operation demonstrated the humanitarian potential of AirNodes, the technology’s broader application is equally compelling. World Mobile recently surpassed 500,000 daily users, a milestone that reflects the growing adoption of its blockchain-based network. Additionally, recent AirNode sales have been fully sold out, with the last selling out in under three minutes, drawing in operators eager to earn up to $1,000 per month by participating in the decentralized network.
The $1.7 trillion telecom industry is plagued by inefficiency, privacy concerns, and outdated models. World Mobile’s decentralized approach addresses these challenges by prioritizing community ownership, transparency, and innovation. The company’s work during Hurricane Helene highlights the potential of technology to transform lives in moments of crisis and beyond, positioning World Mobile as a leader in the next generation of telecom innovation.
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