Introduction

While the crypto industry has made significant progress in blockchain scalability and technological breakthroughs in recent years, it has fallen short in achieving large-scale application deployment. The rise of DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) has brought new opportunities to Web3. According to Messari’s forecast, the DePIN industry is expected to reach a market size of $3.5 trillion by 2028.

As a leader in the DePIN sector, Roam is redefining global wireless network connectivity through its innovative technology and business model. At the same time, Roam’s products and services address the pain points of the traditional telecommunications industry while leveraging Web3 technology and user incentive mechanisms to create tangible value for communities.

What is DePIN?

DePIN stands for Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks. It refers to the development of physical infrastructure in transportation, energy, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in the real world, empowered and enhanced by blockchain technology to enable decentralized interconnectivity and improve interaction mechanisms. This approach effectively enhances the efficiency of traditional infrastructure. Notable projects in the DePIN field include IoTEX, Helium, Hivemapper, and Natix Network.

Why Do We Need Roam?

The traditional telecommunications industry has long struggled with high infrastructure costs and inefficiencies. Each upgrade in communication technology (e.g., from 4G to 5G) demands significant financial and human resources. For instance, according to data from CAITC, the global deployment of 5G base stations has reached 5.94 million units, but the construction and upgrade costs are astronomical. This high-cost model slows the pace of network expansion and leaves many remote areas unable to access quality network services.

At the same time, users of traditional networks face challenges with inadequate privacy protection. The centralized network architecture means that user data is typically stored on servers controlled by service providers, which makes it prone to data breaches and potential misuse for commercial purposes.

The emergence of DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) offers a new solution to these problems. By integrating physical assets through blockchain technology, DePIN significantly reduces network operating costs, distributing infrastructure operations traditionally monopolized by large telecom operators to countless node operators. This model makes network expansion more flexible and efficient and enhances user data privacy through decentralization.

Roam was created in this context. As a flagship project in the DePIN space, Roam addresses the cost and privacy issues of the traditional telecommunications industry while laying a solid foundation for the large-scale adoption of Web3 through its innovative technology and business model. By integrating the OpenRoaming™ protocol, Decentralized Identity (DID), and Verifiable Credentials (VC), Roam provides users with a seamless and secure internet connectivity experience. Additionally, Roam achieves rapid network expansion through user incentive mechanisms and hardware sales, successfully building a decentralized global wireless network.

Roam’s emergence addresses users’ needs for efficient and secure networks while revitalizing the decentralized network ecosystem. Through its combination of lower costs, enhanced efficiency, and robust privacy protection, Roam creates concrete value for both users and partners. This innovative approach embodies the core principles of DePIN and helps establish a foundation for Web3’s widespread adoption.

Roam Official Website

The Birth of Roam: From Vision to Reality

Roam was established in 2021 by its founding team, including Jeffrey Manner, with the technical support of its parent company, MetaBlox Labs. The founding team has extensive experience in blockchain, IoT, and telecommunications, comprising Web3 technology experts, hardware development engineers, and blockchain economists.

Jeffrey Manner (Co-Founder and CEO)
Jeffrey is a seasoned entrepreneur in the Web3 space with years of experience in blockchain technology development and corporate management. Before founding Roam, he led several decentralized network projects, gaining rich practical experience in IoT and blockchain technologies.

MetaBlox Labs (Parent Company)
MetaBlox Labs is a member of the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) and the sole Web3 Identity Provider (IDP) in the OpenRoaming™ initiative.
MetaBlox has supported Roam’s technological development while establishing the groundwork for its early business model and community growth.
In 2021, the Roam project was initiated, and the founding team envisioned creating a decentralized global wireless network by combining Web3 and OpenRoaming™ technologies. By the second half of 2022, Roam partnered with the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) and became the Web3 representative in the OpenRoaming™ initiative, establishing its technical standards and industry position. In June 2023, the Roam app was officially launched, followed by the release of the Roam Rainier MAX60 miner in October 2023.

As of November 2024, Roam has deployed over 860,000 network nodes globally and connected to more than 3.5 million OpenRoaming™ hotspots. The platform has registered over 1.4 million users, with more than 65% being active users, and has distributed over 100 million Roam Points. The Roam team has grown from a five-member startup to an international team of over 50 core members, headquartered in Canada.

Roam’s innovative technology and business model have attracted significant attention in the capital market. Since its inception, the company has completed multiple rounds of financing, providing robust support for its technology development and global expansion. Roam has received investments from renowned institutions, including Anagram, Volt Capital, Comma3 Ventures, ECMC Group, Awesome People Ventures, Stratified Capital, DePIN Labs, Future 3 Campus, IoTeX, ZC Capital, JDI, Synergis, and SNZ. In April 2024, Roam secured funding from Samsung Next, the venture capital arm of Samsung Electronics, to further accelerate the development of Roam’s ecosystem and the construction of its global roaming network nodes.

Roam’s Product Matrix

Roam’s product ecosystem includes hardware devices, software applications, and network services, offering users a comprehensive network connectivity experience while advancing the real-world adoption of Web3.

(The following images and information sourced from Whitepaper)

Roam Rainier MAX60 Router Miner

• Supports WiFi 6 technology with a data transfer rate of up to 9.6Gbps
• Features a built-in blockchain node for mining through DID and VC verification
• Consistently mines 60 Roam Points daily, with additional rewards available through user check-ins
• Covers an area of 150 square meters and supports over 200 devices simultaneously

Roam Baker MAX30 Access Point

• Provides high-performance WiFi 6 network coverage for up to 150 square meters
• Achieves data transfer speeds of up to 3000 Mbps, with signal strength twice that of WiFi 5
• Built-in security chip ensures network privacy and safety

Roam APP

• Add WiFi Hotspots: Users can integrate their WiFi into the Roam network via the app and earn Roam Points as rewards
• Check-in Feature: Users can earn rewards by checking in at millions of WiFi hotspots globally
• Invite Friends: Share an invitation code to invite friends to join Roam, rewarding both parties
• Redeem Rewards: Accumulated Roam Points can be exchanged for $ROAM tokens, physical rewards, or services

Roam eSIM

• Provides coverage in over 130 countries, supporting high-speed 4G/5G networks
• Instant activation without the need to replace SIM cards
• Flexible data plans available for subscription or prepaid usage
• Data encryption ensures user privacy and security

Roam Explorer

• Offers a dynamic global map of WiFi hotspots, enabling users to locate nearby network nodes easily.

Roam’s Technical Architecture

Roam’s technical architecture integrates cutting-edge technologies to build an efficient, secure, and decentralized global wireless network.

OpenRoaming™ Protocol

A cornerstone of the Roam network, this protocol enables users to seamlessly connect to various WiFi networks worldwide without repeated logins or password inputs. Once a device connects for the first time, it can automatically recognize and switch to other OpenRoaming™-enabled hotspots, providing true global seamless roaming. This not only simplifies user experience but also significantly improves connection efficiency. As a Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) member, Roam is the only Web3 Identity Provider (IDP) in the OpenRoaming™ initiative, securing a unique position in the global wireless network industry.

Decentralized Identity (DID) and Verifiable Credentials (VC) Technology

These technologies grant users full control over their identity data. DID allows users to independently select their identity identifiers and decide which information to share with specific services, eliminating reliance on centralized identity providers. VC technology, through zero-knowledge proofs, enables identity verification without exposing sensitive information. This approach enhances privacy protection while ensuring data authenticity and immutability. Moreover, the standardized design of DID and VC ensures broad interoperability globally, making them suitable for cross-platform and multi-scenario applications.

Blockchain Technology

Roam stores data such as connection records, check-in activities, and reward distributions on-chain, utilizing blockchain’s transparency and immutability to ensure system security and trustworthiness. The introduction of smart contracts automates key operations like reward distribution and node management, significantly boosting system efficiency. Additionally, Roam’s deployment on the Solana mainnet leverages Solana’s high throughput and low latency to enhance network performance and user experience.

(Technical principles and architecture. Source: Whitepaper)

Roam’s Business Model

Roam’s multi-layered and highly sustainable business model revolves around key areas such as user incentives, hardware sales, network services, and data empowerment.

User Incentives
User incentives are the core driving force of Roam’s model. Through the Roam Points reward system, users can earn points via activities like check-ins, adding hotspots, and inviting friends. These points can be redeemed for $ROAM tokens, hardware devices, eSIM data plans, and other tangible rewards. In the future, users can participate in more ecosystem activities. This mechanism transforms users into network builders and contributors, facilitating rapid network expansion.

Hardware Sales
Hardware sales constitute another significant revenue stream for Roam. The Rainier MAX60 miner and Baker MAX30 access point, known for their high performance and multifunctionality, have attracted numerous users to purchase and deploy them. These devices not only provide efficient WiFi services but also feature blockchain node capabilities, allowing users to mine Roam Points as rewards. Roam also incentivizes users to deploy these devices in public spaces such as cafes and malls, further extending network coverage.

Network Services
Roam’s eSIM services cover over 130 countries, supporting 4G and 5G networks. Users can instantly activate eSIMs via the app and enjoy high-speed, reliable international roaming services. Additionally, Roam offers value-added services for enterprise clients, including advertising, dedicated WiFi access, Content Delivery Network (CDN), and Virtual Private Network (VPN) services, diversifying its revenue sources. Roam’s advertising services are particularly appealing, allowing businesses to display location-based ads at network nodes while rewarding users with additional Roam Points for viewing them.

Data Empowerment
Data empowerment is a key innovation in Roam’s business model. By collecting user behavior data (the “3W data”: What, When, Where), Roam provides precise data support for partners. This data can optimize advertising strategies and support location-based user data for Web3 projects, enabling targeted marketing or airdrop activities. All data is encrypted using DID and VC technologies to ensure user privacy remains intact.

Roam’s Tokenomics and Airdrop Plan

Roam’s tokenomics are designed to drive network growth and community incentives through a dual-token model and dynamic mining mechanism, providing strong support for the ecosystem’s sustained development.

The dual-token model consists of Roam Points, which serve as operational rewards, and $ROAM, the value-capturing token of the ecosystem.

Roam Points
Roam Points are the base reward unit earned by users within the ecosystem. They can be redeemed for $ROAM, used to pay for services, or purchase hardware. Roam Points are not affected by market volatility.

$ROAM
$ROAM is the ecosystem’s core token, with a total supply of 1 billion tokens. 40% of this supply is minted during the Token Generation Event (TGE), while the remaining 60% is gradually released through mining and staking activities.

Of the 400 million tokens created during the TGE, 280 million are allocated for subsequent sales, while 120 million are reserved for the team—all subject to various vesting plans and community oversight.

$ROAM plays a vital role in governance, staking, and ecosystem payments. Additionally, a burn mechanism enhances token scarcity, supporting long-term value capture.

Mining Mechanism and Token Release Curve
Roam’s mining mechanism uses Proof-of-Service (PoS) and Proof-of-Validation (PoV) models to encourage miners and validator nodes to provide high-quality network services. Miners earn rewards by providing public WiFi services, while validator nodes verify the quality of miner services and stake $ROAM to ensure trustworthiness. Inspired by Bitcoin’s model, the dynamic difficulty adjustment mechanism adjusts token release speed based on network size and token price, ensuring sustainable incentives while mitigating market sell pressure.

($ROAM release curve. Source: Whitepaper)

To further expand its user base and give back to the community, Roam launched a airdrop program of 20 million $ROAM tokens in August 2024, accounting for 2% of the total token supply. The airdrop targets early participants and new users, with eligibility requirements including purchasing a Rainier MAX60 and adding it to the Roam network, or holding relevant NFTs. Users can stake, exchange for services, or directly trade their claimed tokens.

Through well-designed tokenomics and incentive mechanisms, Roam has laid a solid foundation for network expansion while strengthening user and community engagement. The recent airdrop plan highlights Roam’s commitment to its community and support for ecosystem growth, injecting new momentum into the future development of decentralized wireless networks.

Roam’s Investment Value

As a flagship project in the DePIN sector, Roam’s value lies not only in its technological innovation and successful business model but also in its ability to precisely address core user and industry needs while paving a new path for the integration of Web3 and IoT.

In terms of technical architecture, Roam demonstrates its unique innovative capabilities. Through the OpenRoaming™ protocol, Roam provides users with a seamless connectivity experience globally, a feature that is difficult to achieve in traditional networks. Furthermore, Roam’s technical design for user privacy protection is highly forward-thinking. Through decentralized identity (DID) and verifiable credential (VC) technologies, Roam provides users with complete autonomous control over their data.

Roam’s community-driven model is one of the key factors in its success. Through the Roam Points reward mechanism, users can not only earn points by checking in globally but can also expand the network by adding hotspots and inviting friends. This incentive mechanism design greatly enhances user engagement and loyalty. Community members are not just builders of the Roam network but also active promoters of its brand. This bottom-up ecosystem building model provides strong internal momentum for Roam’s long-term development.

From a market perspective, Roam has strategically positioned itself at the critical intersection of Web3 and IoT integration. Its diversified business model further enhances its market competitiveness. From hardware sales to network services and data empowerment, Roam has established a multi-faceted revenue structure.

Despite its excellent performance in technological innovation and market expansion, Roam faces challenges related to technical complexity, increased competition, and regulatory risks. Its architecture, which heavily relies on blockchain, OpenRoaming™ protocol, and DID+VC technology, may face performance bottlenecks as user scale grows, and hardware devices and nodes need continuous security enhancements to counter network attacks. Meanwhile, competitors in the DePIN sector (such as Helium and Wayru) may threaten its market share, and the sustainability of Roam’s business model depends on user demand and long-term partner participation. In global operations, Roam must address regulatory requirements from different countries, particularly policy changes in blockchain and crypto economics, and data privacy regulations (such as GDPR), or face compliance risks. Furthermore, Web3 technology remains unfamiliar to average users, and the high technical barrier may affect its market promotion. Macroeconomic fluctuations and emerging technologies could also threaten its existing model. To address these challenges, Roam needs to effectively manage these risks through technical upgrades, compliance management, and user education to ensure its long-term competitiveness.

Conclusion

Overall, Roam, as a flagship project in the DePIN sector, has built a global decentralized wireless network by integrating Decentralized Identity (DID), Verifiable Credentials (VC), and the OpenRoaming™ protocol. This network provides users with a seamless and secure connection experience. Its innovative user incentive mechanism and diversified business model not only drive the rapid growth of network nodes but also showcase the unique advantages of decentralized networks in reducing costs and enhancing privacy. The successful promotion of its hardware devices and the active participation of its user community further validate the demand for and recognition of decentralized network ecosystems in the market.

However, Roam faces significant challenges, including increasing competition in the DePIN sector, a complex regulatory landscape, and the adoption barriers of Web3 technologies among users. By continuing to upgrade its technology, strengthening market expansion, and enhancing compliance management, Roam is actively refining its ecosystem, improving hardware performance and network service quality, and leveraging DID technology to protect user privacy. These efforts are expected to solidify its position as an industry leader further.

With the ongoing innovation in blockchain technology and the growing acceptance of decentralized networks, Roam has the potential to expand into areas such as smart homes, industrial IoT, and edge computing, creating even greater value for users and industries. With its robust technological foundation and ambitious market vision, Roam is poised to become a key driver for the large-scale adoption of Web3.

Note: Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile and carry substantial risks. Before investing, thoroughly research and carefully assess your risk tolerance. This article provides information only and should not be considered financial advice. Exercise caution in your investment decisions.