Dabba to Setup 10,000 New Hotspots to Enhance Internet Connectivity in India

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24 May 2024

Dabba, a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN), has announced the rollout of 10,000 new wifi hotspots across the globe. This initiative is part of the company's second season of its demand-driven DePIN service, aiming to extend internet access in regions with high data demand, particularly across India.

The planned deployment coincides with the advent of a token generation event on the Solana blockchain scheduled for July. This step introduces a novel aspect to Dabba's operational model—tokenization, which is set to facilitate a two-sided marketplace. This marketplace aims to involve both data consumers and providers, incentivizing the latter group for their contributions to building and maintaining robust internet infrastructure.

Dabba's approach is grounded in real-world demand for internet services, as evidenced by the deployment of over 1,500 hotspots since the testnet launch two months ago. This move has connected over 15,000 unique devices, managing over 390 TB of data usage. The introduction of the DePIN model not only meets an existing market need but also presents a sustainable business model poised for scaling, especially in high-demand areas.

Key performance metrics from the Dabba testnet over the past two months

Dabba's performance over the last two months, showing the deployment of 1,500 hotspots, connection of 15,000 unique devices, consumption of 390 TB of data, and generation of $4.5K in revenue. These metrics highlight the effective expansion and user engagement within Dabba's network, indicating strong demand and initial financial viability as they prepare to scale up operations with 10,000 more hotspots.

The rollout targets India, a nation with a vast number of internet users yet plagued by significant access disparities. Despite being the world's second-largest internet user base, nearly 44% of Indian residents lack adequate internet access, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. Dabba's initiative is set to change this landscape by leveraging the extensive network of Local Cable Operators (LCOs), which act as micro-ISPs, to deploy hotspots effectively.

Furthermore, the experience behind Dabba's team, which includes eight years in network development and a role in Google’s public wifi deployments in India, adds a layer of credibility and insight into the project. Their close cooperation with the Indian government ensures that the necessary legislative framework supports this innovative deployment.

As Dabba embarks on this ambitious expansion, the implications for India's connectivity landscape are profound. Not only does this model promise to extend internet access to underserved populations, but it also encapsulates the potential of decentralized solutions in addressing critical infrastructure challenges. By aligning technological innovation with market needs and regulatory frameworks, Dabba's DePIN may well set a precedent for future initiatives aiming to democratize internet access in emerging markets.

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Vested Interest Disclosure: This author is an independent contributor publishing via our business blogging program. HackerNoon has reviewed the report for quality, but the claims herein belong to the author. #DYOR.