WiFi Map is a crowdsourcing connectivity DePIN designed to help users find free WiFi hotspots to stay connected worldwide. The DePIN has listed millions of free hotspots in more than 200 countries, making it a go-to resource for those needing internet access, especially for the modern traveler and remote workers, particularly in unfamiliar areas. Over the years, it has built a successful app with a large community offering the WiFi finder, eSIM service, built-in VPN, speed tester, and offline map. It also offers a premium version, WiFi Map Pro, which provides additional benefits like an ad-free experience and priority customer support. As a broder vision, it has integrated blockchain technology with a $WIFI utility token that rewards users who contribute valuable WiFi hotspots on the platform.

WiFi Map Background

Founded in 2014, WiFi Map is a private organization based in Wilmington, US. As of now, it has conducted one private equity funding round and an IDO round in 2022 and 2023, respectively, led by Jets Capital, raising a total of $1.60 million. It is the creation of two tech entrepreneurs, Denis Sklyarov, CEO, and Igor Goldenberg, CTO. Both co-founders are technology entrepreneurs and pioneers of the Web 2.0 era. The pair previously worked together for several years at mobile development company Kenlo Group, where Sklyarov brought his background in equity trading and brokerage services, while Igor oversaw software development as CEO. The other team include Gary

Bogatin as CIO, Lyubov Skripeleva as CMO, Olga Keusen as BD, and Alex Aleinikau as creative director.

WiFi Map Features

With a successful app and the largest community-driven WiFi network, WiFi Map offers the following services and features to its users:

VPN

The VPN (Virtual Private Network) feature is available for premium users; it helps to encrypt the device connection, especially the ISP with the network. This means that sending and receiving files or data are secure while using a public network.

Sourec: WiFi Map Blog

eSIM

The eSIM feature allows travelers to connect with high-speed internet access in over 90 countries. To acquire eSIM, users must buy it on a supporting device with the desired package and activate it through the WiFi Map app. Additionally, users receive a 3% cashback in WIFI tokens for each eSIM purchase, which can be managed within the app. Each package is valid for 30 days and has various data options to suit different needs. Available packages are:

• 1 GB: $4.99
• 3 GB: $13.47
• 5 GB: $19.95
• 10 GB: $29.99
• 25 GB: $54.90

Offline Map

To bring users online, WiFi Map has provided an offline map to find stable hotspot networks. Users need to download the map on their device to use it. By downloading WiFi Map’s database of hotspots, users will be able to find hotspot locations, restaurants, hotels, crypto ATMs, and more, even if they are offline and don’t have access to mobile data.

Speed Tester

This tool allows users to check real-time internet speed before connecting with it. This tool calculates key metrics such as ping (latency), download speed, and upload speed, enabling users to assess the quality of their current network. Users also contribute outcome data to the WiFi Map community by conducting speed tests. This collective information helps in identifying high-performance hotspots and improving the overall accuracy of the platform’s WiFi database.

WiFi Map Roadmap

The WiFi Map team has successfully completed all their previous roadmap goals and is now approaching with new objectives for 2025. The upcoming developments include:

• Integration of both cryptocurrency and traditional ATMs.
• Integration of an on-custodial wallet allows users to maintain control of their crypto assets.
• Full blockchain integration.
• Adding service locations like luggage storage, charging stations, and defibrillators.
• Introducing features for verifying and owning locations within the ecosystem.

What is WiFi token ($WIFI)?

In 2023, WiFi Map launched the WiFi utility token, which is an ERC-20 token minted on the Polygon network. The WiFi token offers a way to capture an ecosystem’s value, helping build a cohesive connectivity experience. WiFi Map utilizes its native WiFi token to reward users who contribute to the platform by adding hotspots, verifying networks, and supporting the community. This earned token can be used to buy premium features in the app as well as be withdrawn to an external wallet where they can be sold, traded, or staked. As a utility token, it can be used in many ways in the app, including rewarding users, boosting economic growth, and others such as:

• Connect-to-earn: The people who contribute the most to the platform by adding hotspots, verifying network credentials, and running speed tests receive airdropped-in WiFi tokens each month, which can then be sent to an exchange or held in the in-app wallet.
• Buy in the app: Buy WIFI tokens directly in the app with a debit card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay.
• Redeem for eSIM: Redeem $WIFI for eSIM mobile data with 15% cashback, which allows users to avoid expensive roaming fees in 70+ countries. With token-powered eSIM plans, WiFi Map is establishing itself as a leading Web3 mobile operator.
• eSIM cashback: When redeeming WIFI for eSIM data, the user will receive 15% of the value of the data package in cashback directly in the in-app wallet. 3% $WIFI cashback is also awarded for fiat purchases.
• Trade: The WiFi token is available for trading in the WIFI/USDT pair on a number of top-tier exchanges, including Gate.io.
• Tipping feature: Thank the person who added your favorite or most-used hotspot by sending them a gesture of gratitude as a small $WIFI tip. This feature motivates contributors to add more hotspots on the app.
• Data Sharing Reward: Users get WiFi tokens as a reward in exchange for sharing hotspot location, speed quality and real-works data.
• Premium Membership: Earned tokens can be used to buy premium features such as offline maps, VPN services, and other advanced features.
• Third Party Discount: Tokens can be used to buy services on partner platforms with discounts.

The WiFi token has one billion total supplies, distributed in various sectors with a vesting schedule.

How do I buy WIFI tokens?

• Go to gate.io exchange and create an account by entering your email ID and password.
• Set up your fund password by entering settings; this password will be asked during fund withdrawal.
• To buy WIFI coins, you must complete KYC with the proper documents.
• After KYC, go to Spot Trade, search for WIFI, and select.
• After opening the new page, fill in the amount in WIFI or USDT you want to buy, and click the buy button.
• After a successful buy, go to the Wallet > Withdraw page.
• Here, select WIFI and then enter the wallet address.
• It will ask you for your fund password, 2FA, and email code; enter them correctly and submit.
• Your WIFI will arrive in your wallet after a few confirmations.

Conclusion

WiFi Map is redefining how users access and share internet connectivity, one WiFi hotspot at a time by creating a user-centric, globally inclusive platform. WiFi Map’s ultimate goal is to bridge the global digital divide, providing easy and affordable internet access to underserved communities and regions. As part of its commitment to this mission, WiFi Map also seeks partnerships and collaborations with organizations and businesses interested in expanding internet accessibility.