Latest Roam News

In the post-pandemic world, the rise of digital nomadism has become increasingly prevalent, particularly among remote workers. This lifestyle allows individuals to travel freely while maintaining their professional commitments, with locations like Aruba and Cape Verde becoming popular choices. The demand for reliable internet connectivity is paramount for these nomads, and the Roam network is emerging as a leading solution. By providing a global wireless network, Roam aims to facilitate seamless connectivity for users regardless of their location, thus enhancing the digital nomad experience. The challenges associated with traditional public WiFi networks, such as cumbersome login processes and security vulnerabilities, have prompted the development of OpenRoaming™ technology. This initiative, spearheaded by the Wireless Broadband Alliance, aims to create a secure and user-friendly WiFi experience. OpenRoaming™ allows users to connect to various WiFi networks without repeated authentication, ensuring encrypted data transmission. Despite the growing number of OpenRoaming™ nodes, which currently stands at over 4 million, it still represents a small fraction of the global public WiFi landscape, indicating significant room for growth. Roam is uniquely positioned within the OpenRoaming™ alliance as a Web3 IDP project, integrating decentralized identity technology to enhance network access for users and small businesses. With innovative solutions like the Rainier MAX60 router and Roam eSIM, the platform is rapidly expanding its user base, which has surpassed 1.5 million. Roam's community-driven approach and diverse incentive models, including Roam Points and governance tokens, are designed to foster user engagement and support the growth of the OpenRoaming™ network. As Roam continues to bridge Web2 and Web3 technologies, it is set to play a pivotal role in transforming the telecommunications landscape and enhancing connectivity for digital nomads worldwide.

As of December 4, 2024, Roam has officially claimed the top position globally for hardware node count, as reported by DePINscan. Utilizing OpenRoaming™ technology, Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs), and Verifiable Credentials (VCs), Roam allows users to connect to WiFi without the hassle of multiple credentials or lengthy login processes. This innovative approach, combined with a robust community incentive mechanism and a free-to-use business model, has led to rapid user growth. Currently, Roam supports over 4 million OpenRoaming WiFi hotspots and 890,000 self-built nodes across more than 190 countries, boasting over 1.5 million registered users and an impressive average of 500,000 daily user interactions. The platform has successfully transitioned numerous traditional users into the Web3 ecosystem through its latest eSIM product, exemplifying mass adoption of Web3 applications. Roam's user growth strategy is anchored in product design, integrating Roam WiFi connectivity and eSIM services. The token-incentive model encourages users to contribute to the network's development by validating WiFi nodes, attracting traditional users to collaboratively build the WiFi network. Roam's eSIM offerings include the Roam Global eSIM, which operates in over 160 countries with an innovative Top-up mechanism to prevent data wastage, and the Add-on eSIM, which provides access in regions lacking roaming services. The introduction of Roam eSIM has significantly increased traditional user participation, pushing app registrations past 1.5 million and expanding the network to nearly 5 million global WiFi access nodes. Committed to establishing a next-generation global open wireless network, Roam employs a Physical Layer 1 (L1) approach to deliver a free, secure, and seamless user experience. By maintaining a location and time-based data ledger, Roam aims to enhance both supply and utilization growth through token incentives while promoting community-based management. This strategy reflects Roam's mission to cultivate a more open and diverse ecosystem, fostering long-term value for users. Transitioning from conventional reward systems to nurturing deeper relationships, Roam positions every user as a stakeholder in the network-building process, sharing benefits and creating transformative opportunities for the community. As a pioneer in the decentralized network landscape, Roam is set to revolutionize connectivity between devices, humans, and AI agents, paving the way for sustainable growth and a more interconnected digital future.

Challenges and Transformations in the Telecom Industry Driven by the wave of global informatization, the traditional telecom industry faces unprecedented challenges. The industry is grappling with the increasing upfront investment pressure of 5G technology while struggling to transform its revenue model. Revenue from traditional communication services is on a decline due to competitive pressure, leading to lackluster performance in value-added services. Despite generating 50% more revenue than internet giants, the profitability of leading U.S.-listed telecom companies is only 30% of the latter. This disparity reflects investors' lack of confidence in the telecom industry's capital-intensive models with limited growth potential. Limitations of Traditional Telecom Business Models Traditional telecom operators are hindered by outdated business models that rely on long-term contracts and fixed fees for network access. This 'pay-to-use' model is inefficient in the digital age, restricting user flexibility and hindering customer experience. In contrast, internet services offer free access, enabling greater user choice and market penetration. Telecom operators risk being reduced to mere 'pipes' that transmit internet traffic without participating in high-value services. To overcome this challenge, operators must shift towards free access models to enhance network effects and deliver high-value services directly to users. Roam: Revolutionizing Telecom with Decentralization Roam has emerged as a decentralized telecom innovator, disrupting the industry with its free access model and integration of Web3 technology. By achieving significant user growth and deploying nodes without massive marketing investments, Roam has attracted attention from traditional operators. Roam ranks second on depinscan.io, a DePIN data analysis platform.

Roam is revolutionizing global wireless connectivity by transitioning from a standalone DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network) project into a comprehensive public platform known as the "Telecom Data Layer". This transformation is aimed at creating a seamless and intelligent ecosystem that bridges people, devices, data, and AI. The Roam Telecom Data Layer comprises four core modules: Roam Network, Roam Growth, Roam Discovery, and Roam Community. Together, these modules form a Blockchain of Things (BoT) ecosystem that enhances network vitality and fosters global expansion. A standout feature of the Roam Network is its global open wireless network, which incentivizes users through tokens to contribute to network growth and node validation. This participation generates valuable geolocation and time-based data, forming the backbone of Roam's Telecom Data Layer. Users can easily engage with the network by downloading the Roam App, where they can add WiFi locations or check into existing nodes to earn Roam Points. Following the upcoming Token Generation Event (TGE), these points can be converted into $ROAM tokens, rewarding users for their contributions. Additionally, Roam offers specialized Roam Miner Router nodes that provide high-speed connectivity and blockchain mining capabilities, further driving decentralized infrastructure development. Roam also emphasizes seamless and secure connectivity through its WiFi nodes, which include OpenRoaming™ nodes and self-build nodes. These nodes allow users to connect effortlessly across networks, eliminating the need for repeated logins. The introduction of Roam eSIM enhances global roaming capabilities, allowing users to activate services without a physical SIM card while ensuring data security and affordability. By integrating blockchain technology with real-world infrastructure, Roam is set to reshape global network collaboration, empowering users and developers alike in a new era of connectivity.

In September 2024, Roam unveiled its highly anticipated eSIM feature within the Roam App, following two months of beta testing and development. The eSIM Redemption feature officially launched on October 28, allowing users to redeem free eSIM data for global plans in over 130 countries. This innovative solution caters to the growing demand for reliable internet access while traveling, enabling users to bypass the hassle of local SIM purchases and avoid costly roaming charges. The eSIM feature is integral to Roam's mission of providing innovative connectivity solutions for global users. With flexible and cost-effective options, Roam eSIM ensures high-speed and seamless connectivity wherever users go. The eSIM can be easily purchased and activated directly within the Roam App or by scanning a QR code. The latest update, Version 1.8.0, introduces the eSIM Redemption function, allowing users to accumulate free eSIM data through participation in Roam App activities, such as Check-Ins and in-app events, enhancing their overall experience. Roam eSIM is designed for simplicity and user-friendliness, enabling users to buy, redeem, and activate their eSIM in just a few minutes. All app users receive a 50 MB welcome bonus of free eSIM data, with additional data earned through daily Check-Ins at Roam WiFi hotspots, rewarding users with 5 MB per Check-In, capped at 5 GB per account. Once enough data is collected, users can redeem it instantly via the Roam App. To access this feature, users must update the app, while newcomers can download it from the App Store or Google Play Store, ensuring seamless travel connectivity with Roam's innovative eSIM Redemption feature.

The Roam Spooky Halloween 2024 Event is set to bring excitement to users from October 28 to November 11, 2024. During this period, participants can enjoy a chance to win surprise gifts valued at over 10,000 USDT. To join in on the festivities, users need to download the Roam app and utilize their Roam Points to redeem mystery gifts. These gifts can range from exclusive items to high-value rewards, making it an enticing opportunity for both new and long-time Roam users. Among the rewards available during the event are the Roam Rainier MAX60 WiFi Router Miners, designed to enhance the Roam experience while providing high-yield mining capabilities. Additionally, participants can win the Roam Baker MAX30 WiFi Access Points, which offer reliable internet connections and daily rewards. Other exciting prizes include free eSIM data, various amounts of Roam Points that can later be converted into $ROAM tokens, exclusive Halloween stickers, and Harmony ONE tokens, making this event a treasure trove for crypto enthusiasts. To participate, users must download the Roam app and redeem a surprise gift for just 100 Roam Points. Points can be accumulated by adding new WiFi connections, checking in, and referring friends. The event promises a thrilling Halloween celebration filled with surprises and fantastic prizes. With the event running for a limited time, participants are encouraged to gather their points and take advantage of this unique opportunity to enhance their Roam experience and crypto portfolio. Happy haunting and good luck to all Roamers!

Roam, a decentralized WiFi roaming network, is emerging as a key player in the DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network) ecosystem. Unlike other projects that focus on niche areas, Roam aims to create a global open wireless network that supports decentralized telecom services. A significant challenge in decentralized systems is the manipulation of location data, particularly in gaming, where users exploit GPS systems to bypass geographic restrictions. Roam addresses this issue by employing decentralized identities (DIDs) and verifiable credentials (VCs) to ensure accurate GPS data, thereby reducing the risks associated with location-based exploits. Currently operational in over 190 countries with around 750,000 self-deployed nodes, Roam connects users to a vast network of 3.5 million OpenRoaming™ nodes. The Roam app facilitates seamless connectivity, allowing users to automatically connect to available nodes without repeated logins. Central to Roam's protocol is its user identity verification system, which creates a digital identity upon app installation. This system ensures that user identities are verified each time they access a WiFi node, enhancing security and privacy across the network. Roam's ambitions extend beyond WiFi services, as it seeks to establish itself as a decentralized telecom data layer, similar to how Layer 1 blockchains provide infrastructure for decentralized applications. The network collects and records user data on the Solana blockchain, contributing to a decentralized ledger of telecom data. Roam also encourages community participation through a mining system that rewards users with Roam Points for operating WiFi nodes. With a vision to become a public utility within the DePIN sector, Roam is poised to play a crucial role in the future of decentralized networks, fostering an open-access model that attracts more projects to its ecosystem.

Game development company Studio369 has announced the migration of its mech shooter title MetalCore to the Solana blockchain, aiming to enhance the gaming experience through faster on-chain transactions. As of October 24, the Solana blockchain is processing an impressive average of about 3,000 transactions per second, a key performance metric that underscores its capabilities. MetalCore will leverage Solana Labs' GameShift platform, which integrates a storefront and payment systems for in-game purchases. This free-to-play open-world game features both player-versus-player (PvP) and player-versus-environment (PvE) battles, allowing players to acquire assets from defeated opponents and convert them into Web3 assets for trading. The migration to Solana comes as the network has been attracting various protocols looking to improve scalability and reduce costs. Studio369's decision reflects a broader trend, as other projects like MetaBlox's Roam network and the decentralized wireless communications protocol Helium have also transitioned to Solana for its faster transaction speeds and scalability. With the gaming sector increasingly gravitating towards blockchain technology, Solana's infrastructure is positioned to support these developments effectively. Despite its advantages, Solana has faced challenges, including significant periods of downtime that have raised concerns about its reliability. The latest outage, which lasted about five hours, occurred on February 6, 2024. In response to these issues, the Solana Foundation is working on the Firedancer upgrade, with a full version expected in 2025 and interim updates to manage the growing network activity. As Solana continues to evolve, it remains a focal point for gaming and decentralized infrastructure projects seeking robust blockchain solutions.

In a significant development within the blockchain and renewable energy sectors, Arkreen, a leader in Web3 infrastructure focused on carbon-reduction applications, has announced a partnership with Roam, a trailblazer in decentralized telecom. Roam has successfully issued over 918 million Roam points across more than 180 countries, catering to a user base of 1 million registered individuals. With a robust network of over 700,000 nodes globally, Roam provides a decentralized physical Layer 1, which serves as a foundation for innovative projects in decentralized wireless technology. This collaboration is a pivotal advancement under the Plug for Green Program (PGP), as both companies aim to enhance carbon neutrality within Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN). The partnership introduces an innovative approach to sustainable practices through the integration of Roam’s miners with Arkreen’s Smart Plugs. This synergy enables real-time monitoring of electricity consumption for Roam miners, who not only benefit from enhanced crypto mining capabilities but also from Arkreen’s tokenized Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). This mechanism allows Roam community members to offset their carbon emissions from brown energy consumption directly on-chain, thereby increasing their rewards while fostering a commitment to sustainability. The PGP advantage empowers Roam miners to engage in personal carbon offsetting, aligning their operations with eco-friendly practices. Through the Plug for Green Program, Arkreen provides Roam with essential tools for energy consumption monitoring and an on-chain carbon offset mechanism. By utilizing Arkreen’s Smart Plug technology, Roam miners can efficiently track their energy usage and earn Arkreen tokens alongside their mining rewards. This dual-mining scenario encourages eco-conscious participants to contribute to sustainability efforts. Arkreen’s on-chain offset mechanism is paving the way for Green DePIN, positioning Roam as a leader in the decentralized telecom sector while setting a precedent for the DePIN community to engage in global sustainability initiatives. Together, they aim to Roam the World, Connect the People, and Green the Planet.

Roam's decentralized WiFi network, DePIN, has experienced rapid growth in the number of nodes, surpassing 569,463 within just 12 days from reaching 500,000 on August 28. The total check-ins have exceeded 22.7 million, with over 600,000 registered users on the Roma app. Roam offers enterprise-grade WiFi services globally, making it a significant player in the decentralized WiFi network space.