Can You Launch a New Telco in 2025? Dabba’s Plan to Connect India via Can You Launch a New Telco in 2025? Dabba’s Plan to Connect India via DePIN | Messari Podcast

Oct 30, 2025

Karam Lakshman, CEO and co-founder of Dabba, shares insights on building broadband access in India, leveraging local cable operators and crypto incentives. He discusses the unique challenges of India's internet landscape, including low broadband penetration despite high mobile usage. Karam compares Dabba’s model to Uber, highlighting plans to standardize operations and enhance revenue for operators. The conversation also dives into their tokenomics on the Solana blockchain, partnerships, and a bold vision to launch a new telco by 2025, serving millions across the country.

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ANECDOTE

From Logistics Software To Public Wi‑Fi

Karam and his co-founder sold their logistics startup and pivoted after seeing local demand for Wi‑Fi in India.
They scaled to ~1,000 retail locations, worked with Google for public Wi‑Fi, then tokenized their network with DePIN ideas.

INSIGHT

India Skipped Broadband, Adopted Mobile

India skipped large-scale broadband buildout and went straight to mobile, leaving widespread broadband gaps.
Less than 5% of Indians use broadband, creating massive latent demand for fixed connectivity.

INSIGHT

100k Local Operators Are A Hidden Network

India has ~100,000 local cable operators who serve neighborhoods with satellite/cable TV.
These micro‑operators are prime for upgrading to deliver broadband at grassroots scale.

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Messari CTO Diran Lee sits down with Karam Lakshman, CEO & co-founder of Dabba, to unpack how a DePIN marketplace, local cable operators, and crypto incentives could build a new Telco in the world’s toughest market—India. We cover broadband vs. mobile realities, Dabba’s business model and token system, the choice of Solana & BONK, incentives, and the growth roadmap.

0:00 Introductions

1:33 Tech Journey

7:04 Internet in India

13:29 Business Model

21:17 Token System

24:46 Solana & BONK Choice

26:34 Incentives & Vision

31:12 Future Growth

32:07 Conclusion

About the episode:

Dabba helps India’s long-tail of local operators deliver affordable broadband by standardizing ops and crowdsourcing last-mile buildout through a tokenized incentive model—aiming to onboard the next hundred million (and beyond).

Hosted by Diran Lee of Messari

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