Comparative Insights into DeWi Giants: Roam, Helium Mobile, Wayru, and Beyond

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In summary, Helium Mobile, WiFimap, Wicrypt, and Roam are all projects focused on decentralized Wi-Fi networks. While WiFimap and Roam share similar goals of building a global Wi-Fi network through user participation, the key differences lie in their technology applications and economic models.

Roam – Rapidly Expanding Network and User Base

Roam Project Aiming and Vision: 

Room is working on establishing a worldwide, decentralized WiFi network using technology based on decentralized identities (DID) and verifiable credentials (VC). This innovation aims to eliminate the hassle of repeated logins, password sharing, and multiple registrations when traveling domestically or internationally by seamlessly connecting users to various WiFi networks. Roam has reached a notable accomplishment with over 330,000 proprietary nodes and almost 470,000 app users, currently serving more than 3.5 million OpenRoaming™ nodes worldwide.

Product Features: 

As a crypto investor, I’m excited about the technical architecture of Roam because it leverages cutting-edge Web3.0 technologies. Instead of relying on traditional centralized systems, Roam utilizes decentralized identity and verifiable credentials. This means that my digital identity is securely stored on the blockchain, ensuring that only I have control over my data. Additionally, these technologies provide a seamless connection experience when roaming on WiFi networks, making it more convenient for me as a user.

The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) spearheads the OpenRoaming™ technology, which enables seamless device roaming between global WiFi networks with the support of Roam.

The network adheres strictly to data privacy regulations and compliance standards, making it an ideal choice for Web3.0 apps and their users.

As a researcher studying wireless networking equipment, I would describe the Rainier MAX60 Wi-Fi Router as follows: This router offers capabilities comparable to AX6000 level routers, yet it maintains a consistent pricing structure. It boasts enhanced security features for added peace of mind, superior performance for smoother connectivity, and an extra bonus of mining functionality.

Community and Ecosystem Development: 

Extended Network of Partners: Comprised of telecom companies, WiFi equipment manufacturers, technology solution providers, and retail merchants.

Targets global WiFi users, especially those without internet access and frequent travelers” could be:

• Community Engagement: 157K followers on Twitter with 2295 tweets. Since the launch of Roam Points, Twitter followers have been growing by 15% monthly. The community is highly engaged with 2-5 online panels and AMA sessions monthly, attracting about 2K listeners on average. Tweets related to activity participation consistently receive over 500 retweets and comments, indicating high community engagement in the relatively niche DePIN sector.

Roam’s Explosive Growth in Data

Since its debut in June 2023, Roam’s user base, WiFi nodes, and daily check-ins have experienced rapid expansion. By the following year, Roam had spread to 186 countries and areas, featuring over 350,000 network nodes, surpassing 3.4 million daily active users, and amassing over 477,000 app registrants. The Compound Monthly Growth Rates (CMGRs) for nodes, daily active users, and app users were impressive at 125.49%, 131.62%, and 78.54% respectively.

Among all the network nodes, Roam’s data comes in second place, just behind Helium IoT. According to current trends, Roam is projected to surpass the total data of Helium IoT and Mobile by the third quarter of 2024.

*Chart: Growth of Roam App Data

Valuation: 

As a researcher examining the Roam whitepaper on Tokenomics, I found that the company plans to release a total of 1 billion ROAM tokens with an estimated price tag of $0.20 per token. This equates to a market capitalization for Roam of around $200 million.

Business Model: 

Roam stands out among most Decentralized Wi-Fi (DeWi) projects as it operates through a unique three-phase business model. In the initial stage, Roam focuses on Roam Nodes, which encompass hardware sales and ancillary services generated from adding network nodes. Hardware offerings include advanced routers like the Roam Rainier MAX60 Wi-Fi router miner. Additional services could include advertising solutions for businesses or a distribution platform for CDN or VPN apps.

Pricing Model: 

Roam’s end-user services come at no cost. However, to become a Roam-certified node, an upfront investment in specialized hardware is necessary, which can later be offset through mining activities. There are no charges for accessing Roam’s WiFi roaming services as an end-user. For businesses, Roam may impose fees based on their requirements, such as ads or bandwidth usage. It’s essential to note that Roam does not operate virtually. To become a certified node, you need proprietary hardware; however, connecting nearby WiFi networks can be done easily via the Roam App. The current price for a Roam miner is $499 on the official website.

Helium Mobile  – “Telecom Operators in the Web3 Sector”

Business Model:

Helium Mobile’s business model is twofold. Firstly, it attracts customers with its competitively priced 5G mobile plans, which cost only one-eighth the average rate in the U.S. Please note, Helium Mobile relies on the regular telco to issue its eSIMs. Secondly, in areas with poor signal, Helium Mobile allows users to set up their own base stations and tailor their bandwidth needs. Helium Mobile rewards these users with MOBILE tokens for becoming network hotspots. 

Pricing Model:

At first, Helium Mobile presented three different pricing options: $5 for 1GB of data with unlimited calls and texts, $10 for 5GB of data and endless calls and messages, and an unlimited plan with no data cap, calls, and texts for an undisclosed higher cost. Now, however, Helium Mobile’s most recent offer provides a consistent $20 monthly fee nationwide, covering infinite data usage, calls, and texts across the US.

Roam vs Helium Mobile 

As a crypto investor, I would describe it this way: Roam is my go-to investment for companies focusing on expanding global Wi-Fi networks, aiming to improve roaming experiences and fortify network security. On the other hand, Helium Mobile catches my attention as an innovative venture that aims to disrupt traditional telecommunication providers by offering more affordable plans and wider signal coverage to users.

Roam prioritizes employing Web3.0 tech for improving WiFi functionality with heightened privacy protections, whereas Helium stresses the implementation of blockchain technology and rewards through tokens to motivate users as virtual network operators.

Both projects similarly aim to expand their services by encouraging the community or users to set up nodes in return for token incentives. Both also feature their own unique hardware.”

As a crypto investor, I’d explain it this way: Both Roam and Helium Mobile are intriguing decentralized network projects, but they have distinct focuses and applications. Roam is dedicated to collaborating with the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) to construct a global WiFi OpenRoaming™ network, enabling seamless WiFi roaming across various regions worldwide. Unlike traditional telecoms, Roam doesn’t compete but complements them by enhancing their services using Web3 methodologies. In contrast, Helium Mobile aims to provide cheaper data plans and a broader range of offerings, challenging the dominance of conventional operators in the market. Additionally, from a community perspective, Roam outperforms Helium Mobile substantially. Roam boasts an impressive 201K Twitter followers compared to Helium Mobile’s 38.8K, and it hosts an active Discord community that Helium Mobile lacks, creating valuable communication channels between users and the team.

Wayru Network – Focus on WiFi Expansion in Emerging Markets

The Wayru Network is a decentralized wireless project designed to expand internet access in underserved regions using blockchain technology. By enabling individuals to act as network operators and share WiFi connections with common devices, the initiative fosters a massive data transmission network. The ultimate goal is to construct a broadband wireless network that spans towns and villages, bridging the digital divide for previously unconnected communities through cutting-edge yet affordable technology and a robust community engagement culture. The Wayru Token ($WRU) serves as the cornerstone of this ecosystem, incentivizing participants to contribute their connections and fueling continuous involvement and network expansion.

Business Model:

Wayru has developed a cost-effective internet access solution, divided into zones named “AirBlocks,” using advanced technology. These AirBlocks offer internet coverage to particular geographic regions and clientele. By employing blockchain’s smart contracts, individuals can rent an AirBlock and generate income from consumer subscriptions during a five-year tenure. Monthly revenues are distributed through Algorand wallets, with 10-20% going to the AirBlock owner. Wayru Network Token, their proprietary ASA on Algorand, facilitates all transactions. Potentially, this token could be traded on various exchanges in the future, making it a decentralized property network.

Pricing Model:

I primarily rely on two significant income sources: fees from users for network access and advertising revenues. These revenue streams not only fuel our growth but also offer valuable services to our users. In line with our goal of building a sustainable and inclusive internet access framework, Wayru has engineered various coordinated revenue streams that uphold our mission while catering to diverse user requirements. Potential current or future sources of income encompass:

• Premium Prepaid Wi-Fi Plans 

• In-network Advertising 

• Pay-as-you-go Data Usage 

• Premium Apps 

As a crypto investor, I would describe it as follows: I utilize Wi-Fi Marketing to transform my brick-and-mortar establishments into savvy spaces by collecting data, analyzing consumer behavior, and engaging customers through personalized interactions. This approach retains more clients by offering them tiered subscription plans via a comprehensive Wi-Fi marketing platform.

At Wayru, being a leading internet service provider on a global scale, we are privileged with an abundance of data. By providing API interfaces and data services to businesses and academic institutions, we not only create new revenue streams but also foster technological innovation and advancements in market research.

• Proximity Services for IoT Devices 

With Wayru’s eSIM technology, you can effortlessly obtain data plans from various countries without the need for a traditional SIM card. Ideal for frequent jet-setters, this service ensures uninterrupted global connectivity and significantly improves overall user satisfaction.

Wayru prioritizes prompt help for its valued users by providing a Premium Support Service, which comes with a nominal additional cost. With this service, customers receive expedited assistance from our customer support team, enabling them to resolve any concerns efficiently and effectively, ultimately contributing to higher levels of user contentment and loyalty.

Users can upgrade their experience within the Wayru application by making purchases directly from it. These in-app buys unlock extra functionalities, enable customization and personalization options, and grant access to advanced data analysis tools. This not sole enhances user engagement but also generates income for Wayru.

Users can upgrade their Wayru app experience by purchasing advanced features linked to Web3 technologies. These upgrades grant access to tailor-made dApps and cutting-edge blockchain functionalities. Such investments not only generate income for the platform but also keep users informed about the latest advancements in the decentralized network.

In essence, although Roam and Wayru share the common objective of constructing decentralized Wi-Fi networks, they have distinct objectives. Roam is primarily focused on transforming Wi-Fi network access and fortifying data security, aiming to establish a standardized industry for effortless roaming across multiple Wi-Fi networks worldwide. In contrast, Wayru is working on building a decentralized mobile internet sharing platform using a shared economy model and blockchain technology. Roam effectively extends the reach of Wayru’s Wi-Fi network and offers continuous free Wi-Fi roaming services to consumers. However, Wayru still relies on an outdated Web2 business model, which needs to be proven effective in the Web3 context. Additionally, Wayru’s community is relatively small, with only 17.6K followers on Twitter and around 200 active members on Discord. The size of a project’s community is a crucial factor in assessing its potential future success in the Web3 space. Both Roam and Wayru possess hardware offerings; Wayru’s OG Genesis hotspot was sold out on their official website, while Roam has a robust background in hardware manufacturing, ensuring a consistent supply of their second-generation WiFi router miner, Rainier MAX60, which users can purchase from the Roam website and receive shipping.

As a crypto investor with an interest in Decentralized Finance (DeFi), I’m excited about Wi-Fi Dabba – a project exclusively focused on the Indian market. Hailing from India itself, this innovative platform is dedicated to delivering swift, dependable, and budget-friendly internet connectivity through a decentralized network.

Business Model: 

In Indian cities, Wi-Fi Dabba sets up local mesh networks as an alternative solution, delivering fast and unrestricted internet access for a daily fee of $0.01 per GB. Ideal for video streaming, cricket match viewing, or intricate coding tasks, this cost-effective option caters to diverse needs. Additionally, Wi-Fi Dabba offers a monthly high-speed unlimited broadband plan for only $10.

Pricing Model: 

As an analyst, I would express it this way: The cost for various data plans fluctuates, yet there’s a consistent $10 monthly charge for unrestricted wireless broadband usage.

Roam vs. Wi-Fi Dabba 

As an analyst, I would describe it as follows:

• Technology Application: Roam uses Web3.0 technology and OpenRoaming™ protocols to enhance WiFi network experiences and ensure user data privacy and security. Wi-Fi Dabba focuses on building decentralized network infrastructure to reduce costs and improve service accessibility. 

Roam targets a global audience of WiFi users and partners for community engagement, whereas Wi-Fi Dabba primarily caters to the local Indian market, particularly regions with subpar internet connectivity.

Dabba signed up for Twitter back in May 2013, making it an early adopter. However, compared to other projects like Roam, its Twitter presence is merely average. With just one-hundredth of Roam’s following, Dabba’s project has a smaller reach on this platform. Moreover, the community engagement is limited as they only manage Twitter, Discord, and YouTube accounts. Missing from their portfolio are professional documentation sites such as Medium and Github.

Dabba’s tokenomics have not been established publicly, making it impossible to make a comparison with Roam in terms of market value and token economics. No public information is available regarding the market value of Dabba. However, we do know that Y Combinator led its initial funding round in 2017, which raised $120,000, and a second seed round in 2018 brought in $1.2 million.

While Roam and Wi-Fi Dabba share the commonality of being decentralized WiFi network projects, they distinguish themselves in their primary objectives and technological implementations. Roam targets the international market, prioritizing effortless WiFi roaming and advanced network security. In contrast, Wi-Fi Dabba caters to the Indian market with a focus on affordability. Given its small community presence, with only around 833 Twitter followers, Wi-Fi Dabba must invest in cultivating a devoted and engaged following within the Web3 space to ensure long-term success.

Wicrypt – Self-sharing DeWi

Wicrypt aspires to create a decentralized platform for sharing and monetizing mobile internet, functioning as a virtual ISP (Internet Service Provider) where users have the autonomy over their own mobile data.

Business Model:

As a crypto investor, I’m excited about Wicrypt’s “share to earn” model because it gives me an opportunity to generate income by sharing my Wi-Fi hotspots with those around me. With the help of Wicrypt devices, I can decide whether to allocate bandwidth based on data usage or time usage. Furthermore, I have the freedom to set my own pricing standards, ensuring that users only pay for what they use. Plus, every time someone accesses the internet through my hotspot, I earn additional rewards in the form of Wicrypt tokens ($WNT).

Pricing Model: 

Wicrypt generates most of its earnings through the income generated by hosts, not by charging fees for each transaction between users and hosts. Since Wicrypt’s growth strategy doesn’t depend on the volume of transactions but rather on the data sold, it is more advantageous for them to collect a commission based on the host’s revenue instead. (Commission-based revenue model for Wi-Fi providers)

Roam vs Wicrypt 

As a crypto investor, I’m particularly drawn to the unique value propositions of Roam and Wicrypt. Roam, in my perspective, is all about transforming WiFi roaming and beefing up network security to provide a seamless and secure user experience. On the other hand, Wicrypt captures my attention with its ambitious plan to establish a decentralized mobile internet sharing network that empowers users to share their connectivity resources in a peer-to-peer fashion.

Roam employs Web3.0 tech, specifically DID and VC technologies, to enhance WiFi connectivity. In comparison, Wicrypt relies on exclusive hardware and firmware, coupled with mobile apps and cloud services, for decentralized mobile internet sharing.

As a crypto investor, I would describe it this way: “Roam’s approach to community engagement primarily caters to partnerships and global WiFi users, whereas Wicrypt offers an opportunity for individuals to act as micro-ISPs (Internet Service Providers) through incentivized token rewards.”

The social media presence of Wicrypt on Twitter is respectable, yet the volume of tweets is not particularly high. Additionally, the Discord server boasts a modest member count and correspondingly low levels of engagement.

As a crypto investor, I’d explain it this way:

As a crypto investor, I’ve been following both Roam and Wicrypt closely, and while they share a commitment to building decentralized networks, their core focuses are distinct. Roam prioritizes enhancing user experience with WiFi roaming, ensuring convenience and security for public access. On the other hand, Wicrypt is developing a mobile internet sharing network, incentivizing user participation through its token system.

Wi-Fi Map – WiFi Universal Key in the Web3 Sector

As a blockchain analyst, I would explain it this way: Wi-Fi Map is pioneering a novel approach to building and administering a wireless network that is not only trustless and permissionless but also programmable. This innovative design relies on the decentralized power of the blockchain technology and the collective contribution of network operators and users, collectively referred to as “the crowd,” to establish hotspots. By doing so, Wi-Fi Map breaks away from the traditional telecom operator model that is characterized by a single central authority.

Business Model: 

Wi-Fi Map functions as a versatile application that facilitates effortless global network access. Some of its notable features are:

“Wi-Fi Finder function: Displays the closest free Wi-Fi spots, featuring data on approximately 100 million such locations around the globe.”

Provides mobile internet access without a physical SIM card, convenient for travelers” could be:

As a researcher studying digital security, I would explain that using Virtual Private Network (VPN) services enables me to establish secure connections while browsing the internet. This added layer of protection ensures my online activities remain private and confidential. Additionally, VPNs grant me the ability to bypass regional restrictions, expanding the scope of my online exploration.

Community members are rewarded with $WIFI tokens under a Token-Reward Scheme, granting them entry to exclusive benefits and services.

• Additional Features: Includes speed tests, a currency converter, a tip calculator, and a world clock to enhance travel experiences. Wi-Fi Map’s business model focuses on offering global network access solutions while enhancing user participation and loyalty through community-driven and token-based incentive mechanisms. Pricing Model: According to public information, they aim to generate revenue through three main channels: 

• Paid subscriptions for additional services (while the core product remains free) 

• In-app advertising 

• Integration of third-party services 

WiFimap vs Roam: 

As a researcher focused on Roam’s project, I can explain that our mission is to develop a global decentralized Wi-Fi network named OpenRoaming™. We accomplish this in two distinct phases. Initially, we utilize Roam’s proprietary hardware to establish Wi-Fi network nodes. In the second phase, we enable users to contribute their local Wi-Fi networks, effectively expanding the network and adding more nodes. This approach is reminiscent of WiFimap’s model, where they primarily depend on users to share existing networks to benefit others without requiring their own hardware.

As a researcher studying the technological advancements in wireless networking, I’ve come across two intriguing projects: WiFimap and Roam. Initially, WiFimap was designed as a Web2 project, relying on centralized user registration and management. To minimize PayPal transaction fees, they introduced the $WIFI token. However, unlike Roam, WiFimap doesn’t own the network, limiting their ability to provide additional value to the ecosystem.

The user bases of Roam and WiFimap have significant overlap. WiFimap, established earlier, boasts a substantial following that provides valuable insights into Roam’s marketing tactics. Both platforms enable merchants to place ads and offer public Wi-Fi for users. However, Roam sets itself apart by providing hardware for users to earn more income through Wi-Fi sharing. This feature is particularly attractive to users involved in Web3 mining, paving the way for collaborative hardware initiatives under Roam that support multi-mining and a versatile ecosystem adaptable to multiple protocols. In contrast, most of WiFimap’s community consists of Web2 users, making its transition towards Web3 more challenging.

Conclusion: 

Among Helium Mobile, WiFimap, and Wicrypt, Roam boasts a substantial social media presence with the largest following and highest community engagement. In terms of Discord usage, Room also outperforms WiFimap and Wicrypt, boasting a robust user base with a significant number of users and daily activity. Additionally, Roam currently has the most WiFi network spots worldwide among these Decentralized WiFi (DeWi) projects, totaling approximately 338,000.

Based on the successful launches of Helium Mobile, WiFimap, and Wicrypt, and their subsequent economic models and price trends, it can be inferred that Roam’s upcoming token sale, ROAM Token, may experience substantial growth with the ongoing market upturn.

As a researcher, I’ve discovered that unlike Wi-Fi Map, both Wayru and Helium Mobile have the advantage of proprietary hardware devices. Wayru’s Genesis series miners, which are currently sold out on their website, set them apart in the market. Helium Mobile boasts the largest hardware manufacturing scale among the three. Roam’s mining machines are available for purchase at a price point of $499. The specifications and sales information for Wi-Fi Dabba’s latest hardware offering, the Dabba Pro, have yet to be made public.

In terms of business strategy, Roam, unlike Helium mobile being a virtual operator, offers WBA a unique opportunity to enhance their OpenRoaming™ network deployment and deliver telco traffic relief services. Roam distinguishes itself from WiFimap and Wayru by drawing inspiration from the Web2 business model. The innovation brought about by Roam includes Roam Nodes, Roam Protocol, and Roam Stack, ensuring that Roam delivers value to users and contributes to the Web3 ecosystem.

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2024-07-08 14:50