World Mobile launches commercial network in East Africa

World Mobile announced the launch of its commercial telecommunications network in Zanzibar, Tanzania, on May 26. With this official debut, Zanzibaris can now enjoy mobile data at a 50% lower cost than the national average.

Key quote

Micky Watkins, CEO of World Mobile, expressed excitement about the achievement, stating,

“Today marks a significant milestone for World Mobile as we proudly announce the successful commercial transition of our network in Zanzibar. We are thrilled to welcome our first paying customers and embark on a journey to connect the unconnected, empowering individuals across Africa and beyond.”

Quick facts

• The launch of World Mobile’s Android application on google play has facilitated the transition from a proof of concept to a commercial model.
• The application simplifies data bundle management and allows users to create self-sovereign identities while accessing other services.
• As part of its efforts to create a transparent sharing ecosystem, World Mobile has updated its network explorer WMTScan, to report the highest-earning air nodes after transitioning to a commercial model.
• The proof-of-concept network was initially deployed in Zanzibar as a subsidized test service available across the World Mobile network of air nodes.
• Zanzibar was chosen as a pilot location due to the limitations of existing providers and the need for improved connectivity.

Why it matters

• According to a World Bank report, Sub-Saharan Africa has the lowest usage rate of digital technology globally, with only 22% of the population using mobile internet as of the end of 2021.
• The World Bank report finds that internet availability positively impacts jobs and welfare and that digital technology can enable economic transformation and boost aggregate growth.
• The report highlighted that labor force participation and employment increased significantly in areas having three or more years of exposure to internet availability in Nigeria and Tanzania, respectively.
• The proportion of households living below extreme poverty also dropped in both countries.

Background

• World Mobile Group is a global telecommunications operator that uses blockchain to deliver internet services to the unconnected in Tanzania, using free-space optical communications and other radio transmitters.
• As these do not require licensing, it translates to less expensive internet access for Zanzibaris.
• World Mobile also runs a reward system where users earn money by owning and maintaining an air node, per a Mariblock report.
• This system encourages community participation, which it says is critical to scaling its solution worldwide.