# World Mobile > World Mobile is a blockchain-based telecom company expanding internet access via decentralized infrastructure, utilizing AirNodes and Earth Nodes across multiple blockchains like Cardano, Base, and BNB Chain. - Canonical URL: https://iq.wiki/wiki/world-mobile - Categories: Projects & Protocols - Tags: Ethereum, Payments, DeFi, Identity, Infrastructure - Created: 2026-08-02T17:53:04.490Z - Last updated: 2026-08-02T18:21:25.545Z - Source: IQ.wiki — the world's largest blockchain and crypto encyclopedia (https://iq.wiki) --- **World Mobile (World Mobile Token / WMT)** is a decentralized telecommunications project that aims to enhance internet and mobile connectivity in underserved regions, primarily in Africa. Established in 2018 by [Micky Watkins](https://iq.wiki/wiki/micky-watkins), the initiative employs a blockchain-based approach using its native cryptocurrency, World Mobile Token (WMT), to power its infrastructure. The project has expanded its operations beyond the [Cardano](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cardano-ada) blockchain to include [Base](https://iq.wiki/wiki/base), [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum), and [BNB Chain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance-smart-chain), providing additional interoperability across networks. [\[1\]](#cite-id-LaSAQxzwC785F3es) [\[2\]](#cite-id-OV53AfAJeAwmClk6)​ ## Concept and Motivation World Mobile seeks to address the connectivity gap affecting many communities. Traditional telecommunications providers often face economic and logistical barriers to deploying infrastructure in low-density or remote areas. By leveraging blockchain and decentralized infrastructure technologies, World Mobile created a model in which users and operators participate directly in network provision. Implementing a Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network ([DePIN](https://iq.wiki/wiki/depin)), World Mobile operates on a sharing-economy model where individuals and organizations can deploy AirNodes and Earth Nodes to support the network. AirNodes act as wireless access points offering end-user connectivity, often powered by solar energy, while Earth Nodes handle blockchain validation, governance, and settlement functions. [\[3\]](#cite-id-V7H7821g3ZksiOeQ) [\[4\]](#cite-id-cV3wCRgDQhyi9WUL)​ ## History and Development World Mobile was founded in 2018 by [Micky Watkins](https://iq.wiki/wiki/micky-watkins), who previously established Yallo, a VOIP platform backed by Deutsche Telekom and Carmel Ventures. The project is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, and operates under the legal entity [World](https://iq.wiki/wiki/world) Mobile Chain Ltd. [\[1\]](#cite-id-LaSAQxzwC785F3es)​ The initial commercial deployment of the network took place in Zanzibar, Tanzania, in 2022. By 2026, the network reported growth, covering over 500,000 users across various regions. [\[4\]](#cite-id-cV3wCRgDQhyi9WUL) Field tests have been conducted using unused television spectrum and Starlink technology in countries such as Kenya, Mozambique, and Nigeria. [\[4\]](#cite-id-cV3wCRgDQhyi9WUL)​ In December 2023, the project partnered with Vodacom to trial what was described as Africa's first blockchain-based commercial aerostat in Mozambique. This tethered platform was positioned at 300 meters and was reported to be capable of connecting up to 100,000 users. [\[3\]](#cite-id-V7H7821g3ZksiOeQ)​ World Mobile has worked with IOHK (Cardano’s founding development company) on mesh network initiatives in Tanzania. [\[4\]](#cite-id-cV3wCRgDQhyi9WUL)​ Plans have been reported to provide digital identity services to users lacking recognized formal ID using Atala PRISM, intended to provide access to digital banking, education, and healthcare. [\[3\]](#cite-id-V7H7821g3ZksiOeQ)​ ## Technology and Infrastructure World Mobile's network consists of AirNodes and Earth Nodes. AirNodes provide last-mile connections to users and are often solar-powered to operate in areas with limited grid power. Earth Nodes handle transaction processing, data security, and network governance, contributing to the blockchain's operation and settlement processes. The network includes the Atmosphere Grid component, which extends World Mobile’s capabilities into AI infrastructure. Described as a decentralized layer, it allows autonomous AI agents access to computing power, storage, and networking resources, with settlements denominated in WMT. [\[2\]](#cite-id-OV53AfAJeAwmClk6)​ World Mobile has integrated [Cardano](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cardano-ada) development frameworks in some of its identity work, notably Atala PRISM for digital identity use cases. [\[3\]](#cite-id-V7H7821g3ZksiOeQ)​ ## Products and Use Cases The primary service of World Mobile is connectivity delivered through AirNodes. By incentivizing communities to operate these nodes, the network aims to increase coverage across unconnected areas. This approach provides affordable internet access and offers rewards to local operators in WMT. [\[2\]](#cite-id-OV53AfAJeAwmClk6)​ ​[World](https://iq.wiki/wiki/world) Mobile's digital identity work is intended to help users without formal identification access services such as financial accounts, educational platforms, and healthcare systems. ## Tokenomics The World Mobile Token (WMT) functions as the native utility token within the network for payments, staking by node operators, rewards to AirNode operators, and participation in governance. The maximum supply is capped at 2 billion WMT. Circulating supply figures have varied by source and time: approximately 491 million as of April 2024 and approximately 1.3 billion by 2026. (Date-stamped figures are retained as reported.) [\[2\]](#cite-id-OV53AfAJeAwmClk6)​ Staking WMT is required for Earth Node operators, who have been reported to hold a minimum stake (reported in some sources as 100,000 tokens). [\[1\]](#cite-id-LaSAQxzwC785F3es)​ ## Governance and Partnerships Governance participation is centered on Earth Nodes that validate and settle network transactions. World Mobile has announced technical collaborations and partnerships with organizations including IOHK to support deployment and development efforts. [\[1\]](#cite-id-LaSAQxzwC785F3es)​