How DePin Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks Continue To Grow

Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePin) are tipped to become one of blockchain's paths to changing the world for the better for users in and out of the Web3 world.

A recent report by Messari Research stated that "DePIN is in its earliest innings" and predicted that DePIN will grow a factor of 100x to 1,000x over the next ten years as blockchain-based solutions win market share from slower, centralized corporations.

Rushi Manche, co-founder of Movement Labs, commented recently in an interview with CoinTelegraph that the lack of a cohesive narrative around DePIN may be contributing to the slow build in mass adoption.

The challenge to building a strong central narrative may lie in the breadth of DePIN's goals.

The Messari report breaks DePIN's broad mission into six areas: Compute, Wireless, Sensors, Identity, Energy and Logistics.

However, the solution will require use cases that meet consumer needs, in and out of the Web3 world.

Denis Sklyarov, CEO and co-founder of WiFi Map, believes that 2025 will be a breakout year for DePIN, counting on WiFi and ATM services for crossover appeal.

Sklyarov said in an interview with Benzinga, "The focus has shifted from hype to tangible results… With blockchain integration and community-driven initiatives, making it a pivotal year for DePIN to gain mainstream traction."

WiFi Map describes itself as "the world's leading crowdsourcing DePIN platform for free Internet access" and claims to have over 190 million users worldwide. In January, WiFi Map introduced a new feature that identifies ATM locations on their base GIS map for users worldwide.

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The company's Dune dashboard shows that WiFi Map has more than 16,354,000 hotspots mapped. "Our coverage is extensive across cities, towns, and rural areas. Over 90% of the WiFi hotspots are free and located in public places," Sklyarov said.

WiFi Map has added over 220,000 ATM locations, and the number is growing.

"We’re leveraging the power of our community to enrich this layer with details like provider names, NFC availability, and working hours, ensuring users have all the information they need to make informed decisions. Users are actively contributing photos and reviews to enhance the accuracy and usability of the map," Sklyarov said.

Sklyarov pointed out that an advantage of WiFi Map's approach is that they are cataloging and making better use of existing infrastructure rather than building out new infrastructure.

"By leveraging community contributions, we enhance access to vital information about WiFi and related amenities like public restrooms and drinking water fountains, making daily life easier," Sklyarov said.

WiFi Map uses industry-standard GIS Maps and is built on Polygon Network MATIC/USD. To date, they provide information on public bathrooms, drinking fountains, WiFi, and the recent addition of ATMs. Users earn tokens by contributing locations for services to the GIS map and 700,000 new contributors joined the network in 2024, for a total of 13.7 million.

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Image courtesy of WiFi Map.