Breakpoint 2024: Product Keynote: Roam the World, Connect the People

Rome, a Solana-powered global roaming network, is set to revolutionize public Wi-Fi and mobile connectivity worldwide. With over 600,000 nodes across 200 countries and 800,000 regular users, Rome is rapidly transforming the way we connect to the internet while traveling.

Summary

Yan Zhang, the founder of Rome, presented at Breakpoint 2024 in Singapore, introducing the Rome network as a groundbreaking solution to the problems associated with public Wi-Fi. Rome aims to unite 600 million public Wi-Fi hotspots into a single, secure network, offering users seamless connectivity across the globe.

The Rome network has experienced dramatic growth since its launch in July of the previous year, thanks in part to support from the Solana ecosystem. By solving real-world connectivity issues, Rome has attracted a large user base and continues to expand rapidly.

Rome's innovative approach combines blockchain technology with traditional telecommunications infrastructure. It allows users to create a decentralized identifier (DID) and an open roaming profile, enabling them to quickly access Wi-Fi networks and engage with the Web3 world. The network is built and validated collaboratively, with users either providing gateway access points or participating in the network validation process.

Key Points:

Global Roaming Network

Rome is positioning itself as a "free telco" solution, offering a secure and unified network that connects millions of public Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide. Unlike traditional public Wi-Fi, which often lacks encryption and requires repeated login processes, Rome provides a seamless and secure connection experience for users across different locations.

The network's rapid growth is attributed to its ability to solve real-world problems associated with public Wi-Fi. By leveraging the concept of open roaming and integrating it with blockchain technology, Rome has created a user-friendly system that allows for quick and easy access to Wi-Fi networks globally.

Network Building and Validation

Rome's network is built and validated through a collaborative effort of its users. Participants can contribute in two primary ways: by providing gateway access points or by validating the network through a checking process. This community-driven approach has resulted in over 400,000 daily public checks, ensuring the network's reliability and coverage.

The incentive structure of Rome encourages participation by offering real-world revenues from CDN and VPN ads to those who provide gateways. This model allows the network to grow organically while providing free services to end-users, creating a sustainable ecosystem for global connectivity.

E-SIM Integration

Recognizing the need for connectivity beyond Wi-Fi hotspots, Rome has integrated e-SIM technology into its offerings. Users who perform check-ins on the network receive a free 5-megabyte e-SIM data package, usable in 198 countries. This feature bridges the gap between Wi-Fi and mobile data, providing a comprehensive solution for travelers and digital nomads.

Facts + Figures

• Rome has over 600,000 nodes across 200 countries
• The network boasts 800,000 regular users
• Daily network validation involves more than 400,000 public checks
• Users receive a 5-megabyte e-SIM data package for each check-in
• E-SIM service is available in 198 countries
• Rome announced a 20 million Rome token airdrop to backers, including minor holders and airfield holders
• The network aims to connect 600 million public Wi-Fi hotspots into a unified system
• Rome launched its network in July of the previous year

Top quotes

"Rome is a global roaming network. We are building and validating the network together."

"We're connecting 600 million public Wi-Fi into a United One."

"With Rome, you create a DID, and you have your open roaming profile. Quickly, you can start enjoying the stimulus Wi-Fi and Web3 word."

"Some people call us a physical island, because we bring network users to the blockchain."

"With Wi-Fi e-sim together, we provide an entire solution for the free telco."

Questions Answered

What is Rome?

Rome is a global roaming network that aims to unite 600 million public Wi-Fi hotspots into a single, secure network. It offers users seamless connectivity across the globe, solving the common problems associated with public Wi-Fi such as lack of encryption and repetitive login processes. Rome combines blockchain technology with traditional telecommunications infrastructure to provide a user-friendly, secure, and widespread connectivity solution.

How does Rome differ from traditional public Wi-Fi?

Rome differs from traditional public Wi-Fi by offering a secure, encrypted network that doesn't require users to repeatedly log in at different locations. It creates a unified network of public Wi-Fi hotspots, allowing users to connect seamlessly across various locations worldwide. Additionally, Rome integrates with blockchain technology, enabling users to create a decentralized identifier (DID) and an open roaming profile for quick access to Wi-Fi networks and the Web3 ecosystem.

How can users participate in the Rome network?

Users can participate in the Rome network in two primary ways. First, they can provide gateway access points, essentially contributing their own Wi-Fi hotspots to the network. Alternatively, users can participate in the network validation process, which Rome calls the "checking process." This collaborative approach helps build and maintain the network while offering incentives to participants in the form of real-world revenues from CDN and VPN ads.

What is the e-SIM feature offered by Rome?

Rome's e-SIM feature is an innovative addition to its connectivity solution. Users who perform check-ins on the Rome network receive a free 5-megabyte e-SIM data package. This data package can be used in 198 countries, providing mobile data connectivity when users are on the go and not within range of a Wi-Fi hotspot. This feature complements the Wi-Fi offering, creating a comprehensive connectivity solution for travelers and digital nomads.

What benefits does Rome offer to the Solana ecosystem?

Rome brings significant benefits to the Solana ecosystem by bridging the gap between physical network infrastructure and blockchain technology. It introduces a large number of new users to the blockchain world through its connectivity services, potentially serving as an onramp for Web3 adoption. Additionally, Rome's use of Solana's technology showcases the blockchain's capability to support real-world applications at scale, further validating Solana's position in the blockchain industry.