Key takeaways:
- Dabba announces a Season 2 campaign to install 100,000 Dabba Lite devices across India, enhancing internet accessibility, especially among underserved areas.
- Dabba’s existing network data shows high demand, with 90-100 TB of data usage monthly, indicating a strong market demand.
- Hotspot owners can earn Dabba tokens by installing and utilizing the company’s router hardware in data-demanding areas.
Dabba to install more than 100,000 wireless devices as a part of Season 2
Dabba, a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN), has announced the imminent launch of its second season campaign. As a part of its second campaign, the company aims to install over 100,000 of its Dabba Lite devices across India by year-end. Following the rapid sale of its first 1,000 networking devices during the initial Season 1 campaign, Dabba is eager to continue its journey. Its goal? To provide affordable, high-speed internet to every Indian through its robust DePIN network.
In a country with 1.43 billion people, the reach of broadband is surprisingly limited; only 30 million enjoy WiFi access, with less than half the population having any form of internet connection. Here, Dabba sees an opportunity to lead in a market that has long been overlooked. The plan involves collaborating with Local Cable Operators (LCOs) to spread its cost-effective networking hardware widely.
“With more than 1.4 billion people and the limitation to expand the fixed broadband connectivity, India represents the largest market for decentralised wireless and WiFi networks, and Dabba is strategically positioned to become a market leader within this space.” – Arul Murugan, Managing Partner at Borderless Capital
The existing network of 1,000 devices has already shown impressive demand, consuming 90-100 TB of paid data monthly. This highlights the strong market for the service powered by Solana and the Dabba token. Dabba aims to support over 150,000 LCOs, enabling them to grow their reach in remote and suburban areas. Considering the average LCO in India has a modest subscriber base of 300-500, Dabba’s support could lead to a tenfold expansion, enhancing its network further.
Dabba’s decentralized infrastructure network invites hotspot owners to buy its router hardware. Participants can then earn Dabba tokens based on the data usage at these hotspots, with installations focused in areas where there’s a willingness to pay for WiFi.
According to the official website, a single Dabba Lite device costs $249, but that includes installation, maintenance, replacement, hardware, and software. It’s worth noting that the price refers to the 7-year ownership of the device and not a lifetime purchase. After 7 years, users can opt to renew their contract.
Read more: What Are Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN)?
India’s data demand has doubled in the past five years, surpassing existing network capacities. Dabba’s platform plans to combine providers to offer more affordable broadband services. The venture also benefits from India’s growing interest in cryptocurrencies. For context, India has the largest population of crypto owners in the world (more than 93 million) and the 5th largest in relative terms (standing at 6.55% as of 2023), according to Triple-A. And that’s despite India’s stringent crypto taxes and regulations.
Shayon Sengupta of Multicoin Capital notes, “Dabba’s strategic alliance with stakeholders essential for connectivity, especially Local Cable Operators (LCOs), marks a pivotal shift in India’s internet landscape. This innovative model not only enhances connectivity but also drives grassroots economic growth, positioning Dabba as a key player in India’s quest for universal internet access.”
Investors like Multicoin Capital, Y Combinator, and Borderless Capital have supported Dabba, which previously assisted Google in expanding its public WiFi and FSOC initiatives.