Roam: Building a Global Open Wireless Network

With the rapid development of blockchain technology in various fields, the Decentralization Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) has not only become a highly anticipated concept. Some analysts believe that DePIN is not only becoming a new trend in encryption applications in the real world, but also a highly promising area. The open wireless network built by Roam will provide global users with free, secure, and seamless wireless access experience. Through encryption incentive mechanisms, Roam not only promotes the expansion of network supply, 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 would develop their own blockchain, and users could obtain their native tokens through mining or allowlist. However, the trend in recent years is to issue tokens on other mature on-chain platforms, such as Solana, IoTeX, Peaq, etc. This raises a question: Will these DePIN projects operate like other decentralized applications (Dapps)? And how can we find the best way to promote growth and provide maximum value to users? Roam is exploring a completely new development path for this.

Roam: Leading the Next Generation of Wireless Connections

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 handled by cellular networks. However, both of these connection methods face their own challenges. Most public WiFi networks, although free, often lack security and require frequent logins, making it difficult to provide a smooth user experience like cellular networks. The biggest challenge for cellular networks at present is the high cost, especially when users are using international roaming. In addition, seamless integration between WiFi and cellular networks has not yet been truly achieved.

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

As of now, Roam has more than 1 million application users in over 190 countries, providing over 3.5 million OpenRoaming™ Nodes and 600,000 user-contributed Nodes. According to Depinscan.io data, Roam has become the world's third largest DePIN network, reflecting the important role Roam plays in building a more interconnected and collaborative network infrastructure globally.

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 is able to provide free cellular network access services to builders in 196 countries around the world, effectively initiating the flywheel effect of DEP, further accelerating the expansion and development of the network.

Beyond the existing DEP model

Existing DePIN projects are typically based on blockchain L1 applications, characterized by the connection of a large number of devices, with the expectation of achieving network effects at scale. However, as the Roam network continues to expand, we realize the need to upgrade and improve the existing DePIN operational model.

First of all, the core goal of DEPIN should not only be to connect devices, but should pay more attention to connecting people. The development history of the internet of things (IoT) industry has shown that although the network of connected devices does have a certain value, if it cannot directly establish contact with users, this value will always be limited and local. Secondly, DEPIN should interact with users through the provision of services, and these services are often not directly related to the blockchain itself. In other words, services should remain relatively independent of the blockchain, and Web3 technology should only serve as a tool for project implementation. Finally, DEPIN is fundamentally a network for processing specific types of data, which either come directly from devices or are generated through user interaction with devices.

Therefore, the DePIN project should not be simply seen as a Dapp running on blockchain L1, but should be seen as an independent network running parallel to blockchain L1: both build networks through Token incentives, maintain data ledgers, and drive the development of upper-layer applications through the community. In this case, we consider certain 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 and supporting the operation of the highway.

The role of Roam's telecommunications data network

Physical L1 refers to a network built by connecting devices to process specific types of data and develop applications to serve users. This pattern is an important extension of DePIN, and Roam's telecommunications data network is the first successful practice based on the Physical L1 pattern. Roam and blockchain L1 have several commonalities in the following aspects:

1. Build Node network to maintain data ledger

Roam has built a large network system by constructing a large number of Roam Mining Nodes. Each Node not only provides network services to users, but also generates accurate location and time data in the process of interacting with users. These data ledgers are maintained in the back-end Nodes off the chain, and are recorded and stored in Solana and other collaborative Block on-chain 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 Block chain.

2. Network Expansion Achieved Through Token Incentives

Similar to blockchain L1, Roam incentivizes users to participate in network construction and the development of its upper-layer applications through a "Mining" mechanism. The Token incentive mechanism is mainly used to promote the development of the network's supply side. Roam's Node providers are responsible for providing wireless network services, while network validators will personally test and verify the network's connectivity in various locations. As Roam network can generate actual cash income, Roam Growth product not only provides income opportunities for Node suppliers, but also Token-based income products are very common in the Node construction of blockchain L1, especially in Blockchains using the Proof of Stake (PoS) mechanism, such as Ethereum.

3. Community-driven rise

The community is the core driving force behind the rise. Roam brings a new operating model to telecom service providers, completely breaking the traditional pay-to-use model. Users can jointly build the network by deploying WiFi OpenRoaming™ Nodes or participating in network verification, and in turn, receive free services and Token incentives. Roam's commercial revenue mainly comes from businesses that use Roam hardware devices for operations 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.

Vision of Roam

Roam is committed to building a new generation of global open wireless network, aiming to achieve free, secure, and seamless network connection. By adopting the Physical L1 mode, Roam has built a network based on location and time data ledger, and driven the expansion of the supply and usage sides of the network through a Token incentive mechanism, realizing community-led management and development. This model is consistent with Roam's mission of creating a more open and diverse ecosystem, bringing lasting value and benefits to users.

This strategic move marks the entry of the Roam ecosystem into a new era focused on sustainable innovation and rise.

The Roam 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 businesses to develop applications that can bring dual benefits to both the businesses themselves and Roam network builders. Roam Discover focuses on supporting individuals in launching entrepreneurial projects within the Roam ecosystem and providing them with key support. Roam Community is a platform that promotes communication and cooperation among members, facilitating information sharing and network participation.

In terms of user participation, Roam will shift from traditional reward mechanisms such as discounts and Airdrops to building deeper relationships with users, encouraging active participation in network construction.

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