World Mobile Publicly Launches its Global App on Google Play Store
In Brief
World Mobile announced the launch of its global app on the Google Play Store.
Built on the blockchain, World Mobile initially launched in Zanzibar to ‘connect the unconnected’ in Africa.
The app encompasses a non-custodial Web3 wallet, fiat on ramp, purchase of network service, a marketplace and more.
World Mobile, a decentralized mobile network built on the blockchain, has launched its global app on the Google Play Store for users in Tanzania, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Initially introduced in Zanzibar, World Mobile launched with an aim to “connect the unconnected” in Africa through enhancing connectivity infrastructure on the continent.
In a research, the company found that nearly 4 billion people do not have access to the Internet and the important resources it provides. Particularly, Africa is the least connected region in the world as 78% of Sub-Saharan Africans are not connected, the company said.
According to the World Bank, 85% of Africans live on less than $5.50 per day while 1GB of data costs nearly 40% of the monthly salary in the region.
World Mobile asserts that conventional telecommunications companies have had unsuccessful endeavors of establishing connectivity infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, these attempts have faltered due to the unprofitable upfront investments and operational expenditures, later compounded by the challenges of obtaining licenses.
To mitigate such challenges, World Mobile said it utilizes renewable solar-powered energy and unlicensed spectrum. This involves an extension of the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) wireless standard, enabling cellular network operators to alleviate data traffic by tapping into the unlicensed 5 GHz frequency band.
By building a decentralized mobile network over blockchain, the company aims to architect a collaborative framework where maintenance, operational expenses, and ownership are shared with its users.
This is further achieved by enabling users to take on the role of network operators and operate nodes.
The company further announced that local users will have the opportunity to receive World Mobile Tokens as compensation for their participation in the network.
Additionally, World Mobile said that it has successfully established a wireless mobile network to provide connectivity to a remote village in Tanzania.
The World Mobile App
The global World Mobile App uses the framework of the native app initially introduced in Zanzibar, which provided each customer with a decentralized identifier (DID).
It was first released in closed beta to Australian users in March this year followed by a community beta launch to specific markets, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.
The app is now publicly available on Google Play Store for users in Tanzania, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
“This is an important milestone for us, as we move towards our global vision of democratizing connectivity and access to our services,” Micky Watkins, CEO of World Mobile, said in a statement.
The app comprises of features, including:
- World Mobile Wallet – A singular-address, non-custodial, lightweight wallet designed specifically for tokens built on the Cardano blockchain. It offers users a secure platform to manage digital assets such NFTs and Cardano Native Tokens (CNT), exemplified by World Mobile Tokens (WMT).
- Fiat On-Ramp – This service allows users to exchange fiat currencies like US dollars and Euros for WMT.
- Scan for Points – Users can utilize their mobile device to identify areas of weak connectivity and earn points in return. These points are redeemable within the integrated Marketplace. The data contributed by the community will help bolster World Mobile’s AirNode deployment strategy.
- Network Service – Available to users within the World Mobile network coverage, the app allows the purchase and management of data bundles.
- Mobile Money – Currently limited to Zanzibar, this feature facilitates digital financial transactions within the region.
- Marketplace – A hub connecting users with a range of products and services, including vouchers for platforms like Netflix and Binance.
However, World Mobile cautioned users that the availability of these features is contingent upon the distinct regulatory frameworks within different countries.
The company plans to expand in markets across Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. Moreover, the iOS version of the global app is currently in development as World Mobile aims to expand its reach to iPhone users.
Lending with AI-Powered Credit Ratings via SingularityNET Partnership
Alongside the public release of the World Mobile app, the company has also partnered with SingularityNET, a decentralized AI marketplace running on the Cardano blockchain.
According to World Mobile, the partnership will provide AI-powered credit ratings for a lending programme and pave the way for other AI-driven products and services in the future.
The company announced that it will unveil a multi-phase lending approach that adjusts according to users’ payment history and reputation.
The first phase will focus on World Mobile’s current user base, providing credit options for contract extensions after the prepaid term ends. In the second phase, loyal customers with good payment track records will have access to credit opportunities.
Ultimately, the program hopes to extend its reach globally, catering to individuals overlooked by traditional financial systems.
With the launch of the global World Mobile app and this strategic partnership, World Mobile also anticipates launching a series of innovative products and services that will showcase the potential of the synergy between AI and telecommunications.
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About The Author
Cindy is a journalist at Metaverse Post, covering topics related to web3, NFT, metaverse and AI, with a focus on interviews with Web3 industry players. She has spoken to over 30 C-level execs and counting, bringing their valuable insights to readers. Originally from Singapore, Cindy is now based in Tbilisi, Georgia. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications & Media Studies from the University of South Australia and has a decade of experience in journalism and writing. Get in touch with her via [email protected] with press pitches, announcements and interview opportunities.
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Cindy is a journalist at Metaverse Post, covering topics related to web3, NFT, metaverse and AI, with a focus on interviews with Web3 industry players. She has spoken to over 30 C-level execs and counting, bringing their valuable insights to readers. Originally from Singapore, Cindy is now based in Tbilisi, Georgia. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications & Media Studies from the University of South Australia and has a decade of experience in journalism and writing. Get in touch with her via [email protected] with press pitches, announcements and interview opportunities.
