Building Free, Global WiFi Coverage for All with Roam | Jeffrey Manner

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Connor welcomed back Jeffrey Manner, co-founder of Roam, to discuss their latest advancements in Wi-Fi and decentralized identity. Jeffrey detailed Roam’s live pilot program, where users earn points by contributing to the network, validating Wi-Fi connections, and adding public hotspots. They explored the concept of Open Roaming, an initiative under the Wireless Broadband Alliance that aims to create seamless Wi-Fi experiences akin to mobile network roaming, with Roam positioned as a Web3 identity provider enabling secure connections across millions of hotspots. The conversation delved into Roam’s hardware strategy, including their Wi-Fi routers and onboarding existing Open Roaming nodes, as well as their unique approach to decentralized identity and verifiable credentials. Jeffrey also shared plans for monetization, potential telco partnerships, and expanding services within their distributed network.

Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction

00:34 - Pilot Burning Pool and Token Mechanics

02:32 - Earning Points in the Roam Network

04:28 - Understanding Open Roaming

07:34 - Roam's Hardware Strategy

10:44 - OpenWRT and Community Upgrades

11:48 - Building on Solana

13:25 - Decentralized Identity and Verifiable Credentials

15:42 - Monetization Strategies and Demand Side

18:28 - Future of Telcos and Roam's Role

20:24 - Coordination and Incentivization in Open Roaming

25:24 - Looking Ahead to 2025

26:15 - Where to Find Roam Online

Disclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.