Guide in construction. Do not use yet - but if you want to participate, please let us know on the Hex Guardian Chat.
This guide serves as your essential resource for developing your Hex into a thriving telecommunication franchise within the World Mobile ecosystem. By leveraging the AirNode infrastructure and World Mobile network, you will learn how to start, optimize and grow your Hex efficiently.
0 - What You Will Learn
- Start your Hex Guardian Franchise - Buy your Hex and what to do next.
- Finding and Recruiting AirNode Hosts - Identify and partner with individuals or businesses to host the AirNodes within your Hex.
- Promoting Your Hex to AirNode Operators - Attract AirNode Operators to expand the physical network infrastructure and improve connectivity.
- Managing AirNode Coverage Within Your Hex - Understand how to strategically set up and place AirNodes to ensure optimal service delivery.
- Promoting World Mobile Services to New Subscribers - Develop effective marketing strategies to onboard new users and expand adoption.
- Managing Coverage Scanning in Your Hex - How to monitor coverage and enhance network performance.
- Dividing Your Hex Into Smaller Hexes - Learn how to efficiently segment your Hex for improved management and growth.
- Connecting With All Participants in Your Hex - Build and maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders, from operators to subscribers.
By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you will be well-equipped to establish a successful, sustainable, and community-powered telecommunications network.
1 - Start your Hex Guardian Franchise
Launching a telecommunications company has long been a capital-intensive endeavor ($$$), demanding significant upfront investments in technology, real estate, and infrastructure. Securing land for signal towers presents an additional challenge, often involving complex regulatory hurdles, soaring property costs, and logistical obstacles. These factors have consistently acted as great barriers to entry in the telecom industry.
The World Mobile Advantage
World Mobile reshapes this traditional model by distributing the financial load across the community. The platform offers a comprehensive ecosystem, including the World Mobile Blockchain (WMC) for secure data management, a user-friendly website (worldmobile.io) that functions as both a platform and dashboard, and management tools to streamline infrastructure, customer registration, and support operations.
The AirNode infrastructure is owned by individuals and businesses—whether local or remote—significantly reducing upfront costs. With community-provided AirNode hosts, the need to purchase or lease land for signal towers is minimized, enabling rapid deployment compared to traditional telecom setups. Leveraging innovative radio technology instead of conventional cable or fiber networks, World Mobile delivers up to 12 times the cost efficiency for the same coverage area.
With lowered financial barriers, improved cost efficiency, and accelerated deployment, setting up a telco in your area has never been easier. In this article, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of opening and operating a telecommunications business, detailing what it takes to get started and succeed in this space.
1.1 - Purchase the Hex
Begin your journey as a Hex Guardian by acquiring your Hex—a digital asset that represents a telecommunications opportunity for one designated area. The Hex is initially available for purchase via auction on the World Mobile website, starting at 1 WMTx. Each Hex comes with comprehensive data, including details on population density, average potential earnings per customer, and current connectivity coverage, helping you gauge its potential.
Auction pricing is dynamic and influenced by multiple factors such as local demand, competition, location, and the projected revenue of the Hex. In smaller or mid-sized cities, you might expect prices to range from $1,000 to $50,000, while rural Hexes could be more affordable. Conversely, high-demand urban Hexes in densely populated areas may command bids closer to six figures if their revenue potential is strong.
Later, Hex NFTs will also be tradable on secondary markets.
The key consideration is ROI—what is the earning potential relative to the buy-in cost? This ratio will be the primary driver of competitive bids. Remember, as an Hex Guardian, you will earn 5% of the revenue generated on the Hex.
1.2 - Research your Local Area
To succeed in telecom, you need to understand both technology and consumer needs. As a Hex Guardian, this means knowing how last-mile connectivity works, how many hosts are needed per area, and how blockchain ensures security and availability.
World Mobile uses AirNodes, Super AirNodes (aerostats), and satellites to provide scalable, decentralized coverage. Learn more about AirNodes to see how different devices serve different regions.
Reliability is key—customers expect seamless service, and even minor downtime can cause dissatisfaction. Research what consumers value most to position World Mobile as the better choice.
Coverage Analysis Tools
- Coverage Map – Identify carrier gaps.
- Coverage Critic Map – Compare carrier performance.
1.3 - Register Your Business
Formalize your venture by registering your company with the relevant local authorities. Begin by reserving your business name, then submit the required documentation and fees to secure the necessary approvals. Incorporating your business officially establishes your telecom operation and ensures you comply with local regulations from the start.
1.4 - Obtain Permits (If Required by Your Local Authority)
Depending on your location, you may need to secure specific permits or a Telecommunications Licence to legally operate your business. Carefully research the regulatory requirements in your area and apply for the necessary licence. This permit will define the scope of telecommunication services your company is authorized to offer, ensuring your operations remain compliant from day one.
2 - Connecting With All Participants in Your Hex
2.1 - Claim Your State and City on WorldMobile Club
- Find your state topic: Hex by State
- Find your city topic: Hex City
Once you’ve found your location, claim the topic (if unclaimed) and post:
- Your contact details (or at least a way to reach you)
- Your existing team (if any)
- Details about your current operation (timeline, budget, people)
- What you need to develop your Hex
2.2 - Join the Hex Guardian Discord Channel
This will help you connect with other Hex Guardians, potential AirNode operators in your Hex or other locations, potential hosts, technicians, and coverage scanners.
3 - Finding and Recruiting AirNode Hosts
Building a strong network of Host Operators requires different approaches. Here are effective strategies:
3.1 Advertise using online ads
Online ads on platforms like Facebook, Google, and local websites can quickly attract potential AirNode hosts. They allow for precise location-based targeting and can be adjusted in real time. To be effective, they require careful budget management and continuous optimization.
More on Online Ads
Online ads provide a fast way to find potential hosts in areas with high connectivity demand. Platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads allow targeting by postal codes, demographics, and interests, ensuring that the right people see the campaign.
Pros:
- Reaches a wide audience without physical effort.
- Allows precise targeting by location and user behavior.
- Messaging can be adjusted in real time to improve performance.
- Provides analytics to track costs and optimize spending.
- Enables quick testing of different audiences and strategies.
Cons:
- Costs can increase quickly if not managed well.
- Less personal than direct engagement, making trust-building harder.
- May attract unqualified leads that require filtering.
- Requires ongoing testing and adjustments to remain effective.
- Some users may ignore or distrust online ads.
3.2 - Door-to-Door Leaflets
Distributing printed leaflets to homeowners and businesses is a simple and affordable way to reach potential hosts, especially in areas where people are less active online. This method allows for personal engagement but requires time, effort, and strategic distribution to be effective.
More on Door-to-Door Leaflets
Leaflets are most effective in communities where word-of-mouth is strong. Handing them out in person allows for direct conversations, giving people a chance to ask questions. However, success depends on choosing the right areas, ensuring the message is clear, and following up where possible.
Pros:
- Low-cost method with minimal upfront expenses beyond printing and transportation.
- Personal interactions help build trust and credibility.
- Effective in areas with limited internet access, reaching those who might not see online promotions.
- Flyers can be passed around within a community, extending their reach.
Cons:
- Physically handing out leaflets is time-consuming and requires effort.
- Many recipients may discard them without reading.
- Limited space on a leaflet makes it harder to provide detailed information.
- No way to track responses directly, making it difficult to measure effectiveness.
3.3 - Pop-Up Tent Outreach
Setting up a booth in high-traffic areas like markets, town squares, or community events is an effective way to engage potential hosts. It allows for direct conversations, real-time demonstrations, and immediate feedback but requires planning and staffing.
More on Pop-Up Tent Outreach
A pop-up tent creates a visible presence, drawing attention and encouraging people to stop and ask questions. Success depends on choosing the right location, having trained staff, and being prepared for logistical challenges.
Pros:
- Direct, in-person conversations make it easier to explain AirNodes and address concerns.
- Live demonstrations help people understand how the technology works.
- Encourages word-of-mouth, as visitors share what they learn.
- Collecting contact details on-site makes follow-up easier.
- Builds credibility by showing a real commitment to the community.
Cons:
- Requires setup, permits, and logistical coordination.
- Needs staff to engage visitors and manage the booth.
- Foot traffic and participation can be unpredictable due to weather or competing events.
- Expanding to multiple locations takes time and resources.
3.4 - Community Presentations
Hosting sessions at schools, community centers, or town halls is an effective way to raise awareness and encourage participation. Presenting in a group setting allows for detailed discussions, making it easier to address concerns and highlight the benefits of hosting an AirNode.
More on Community Presentations
Community presentations help establish trust by positioning AirNodes as a local initiative. In-person engagement allows attendees to ask questions, share concerns, and understand the impact AirNodes can have on their community. These events work best when well-promoted and supported by local leaders or organizations.
Pros:
- Builds credibility by providing direct engagement with the community.
- Encourages group participation, increasing the chances of multiple sign-ups.
- Allows for in-depth explanations and interactive Q&A sessions.
- Involving local leaders improves outreach and adoption.
Cons:
- Requires promotion to ensure good attendance.
- Needs well-structured presentations to keep engagement high.
- May require venue rental and logistical planning, adding costs and effort.
3.5 - Partnering with Local Businesses
Local businesses can help expand the World Mobile Network by hosting an AirNode or promoting it to potential users. Cafés, hotels, co-working spaces, and event venues often have stable electricity and strategic locations, making them strong candidates. Businesses can also become affiliates, recruiting new subscribers and raising awareness.
More on Business Partnerships
Hosting an AirNode can enhance a business’s reputation by offering reliable connectivity while providing an additional revenue stream through referrals. Partnerships with established businesses create long-term growth opportunities for the network.
Pros:
- Most businesses have stable electricity, ensuring reliable AirNode operation.
- A fixed location provides long-term stability for network expansion.
- Businesses can become affiliates, helping recruit new subscribers.
- Aligns businesses with innovative technology and future-ready services.
Cons:
- Owners may hesitate if the benefits are not immediately clear.
3.6 - Local Media and Press Coverage
Getting featured in local newspapers, radio stations, or community blogs can help reach a wide audience and build credibility. Many people trust traditional media over online ads.
More on Local Media and Press Coverage
Press releases, interviews, or sponsored articles can position AirNode hosting as an opportunity for individuals and businesses. Community-driven initiatives often gain media interest, helping spread awareness.
Pros:
- Reaches a broad audience, including those not active online.
- Increases credibility by being featured in trusted news sources.
- Can be cost efficient.
Cons:
- Requires building relationships with media contacts.
- Coverage is not guaranteed and may depend on the news cycle.
- May require a press release or advertising budget.