When Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina two months ago, its aftermath was devastating. The storm caused over 230 fatalities and left a staggering $53 billion in damages. Traditional telecoms infrastructure failed, cutting thousands off from critical services and communication. Stepping into this void, World Mobile, a blockchain-powered telecoms pioneer, put boots on the ground to reconnect survivors using its decentralized AirNodes.
How Blockchain Delivered Lifesaving Connectivity After HurricaneHelene #CryptoDaily w/@WorldMobileTeam https://t.co/gK9v2w57xN
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) December 10, 2024
AirNodes are DePIN devices that provide localized cellular coverage, directly addressing the communication challenges faced in the disaster zones found in North Carolina after the hurricane. Deployed via helicopter with the assistance of Charles Hoskinson, founder of Ethereum and Cardano, these nodes offered a lifeline to survivors. Each AirNode creates a coverage area within a one-mile radius, which enabled emergency calls and facilitated the reconnecting of families and loved ones.
Powering the AirNodes is their backhaul system, the critical link between the nodes and the broader internet. World Mobile uses diverse backhaul methods, including fiber optics and satellite technology. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Starlink’s satellite backhaul allowed the Airnodes to convert satellite signals into cellular connectivity, thereby providing rapid and reliable communication for survivors, even in areas devoid of infrastructure.
CEO Micky Watkins reflected on the significance of the operation:
“We are committed to supporting communities when they need us the most. The rapid deployment of our DePIN network in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene demonstrates the vital role that innovative connectivity solutions can play in disaster recovery.”
The deployment and its impact are documented in Connecting the Disconnected, a film premiered by Web3 advocate Mario Nawful. The documentary sheds light on the humanitarian potential of blockchain technology and decentralized networks, showcasing how these solutions can provide essential services swiftly in crises.
Beyond its disaster response initiatives, World Mobile is reshaping the global telecom landscape at large. Its decentralized network has already surpassed 500,000 daily users, an impressive milestone. Furthermore, the company’s AirNode sales continue to attract significant attention, with the last of its’ most recent drops selling out in under three minutes. Operators of AirNodes benefit not only from their social impact but also from financial opportunities, earning up to $1,000 per month.
As legacy telecom providers struggle with inefficiency and mounting criticism over data privacy concerns, World Mobile’s blockchain-based model is emerging as a fairer, more resilient alternative. By empowering communities to jointly own the infrastructure they use, enhancing privacy, and prioritizing scalability, World Mobile is not only addressing immediate challenges but also paving the way for a decentralized future in global connectivity.