What Is Scan for Points?
Scan for Points helps expand the World Mobile network by letting you identify weak or missing mobile coverage with your phone. By scanning your surroundings, you provide crucial data to Hex Guardians, enabling them to deploy telecom infrastructure strategically. And the best part? You earn points for your contributions, which you can redeem for rewards!
iOS Version Coming Soon!
Why Scanning Matters
World Mobile’s decentralized approach gives infrastructure and operational ownership back to communities, and Scan for Points is how anyone can help the network builders.
- Map underserved areas and shape where new AirNodes are deployed
- Contribute to real-world decentralization
- Earn redeemable points
- Join a global movement that values privacy, fairness, and freedom
How the app works
Simply use the app to scan your area, and it will analyze the strength and quality of the existing connectivity. Based on your scans, the system will assess and categorize locations to identify optimal spots for deploying new AirNodes.
Here’s what the app could find:
Weak or no coverage: This usually means the area is too far from an existing antenna, has poor coverage, or is heavily congested. These spots are prime candidates for new AirNodes.- Coverage by other providers but not World Mobile: Even if another provider covers the area, it could still benefit from a World Mobile AirNode, especially if it’s within active Hexes or close to existing AirNodes.
- Good World Mobile coverage but congested: Even areas already served by World Mobile can get congested. Deploying additional AirNodes here helps maintain excellent service quality.
Well-covered and not congested: This indicates the spot already has reliable World Mobile coverage, so no immediate action is needed.
Scan your area. Build a global network.
Designed around taking action, the World Mobile app puts scanning front and center. Every time you scan Wi-Fi or mobile signals, you earn points, climb the leaderboard, and help grow the network.
What data is collected?
Here’s an overview of the key data the app is collecting and how it’s utilized to optimize network performance and planning:
- Frequency Usage: Identifying frequency bands in use by various service providers, including both licensed and unlicensed frequencies. This helps pinpoint which providers operate in specific areas and determine optimal spectrum utilization.
- Signal Strength: Measuring signal power across different frequency bands to evaluate network coverage, highlight areas with weak reception, and identify signal interference.
- Bandwidth Utilization: Analyzing how actively bandwidth is being used across networks. This helps us understand current network load, identify congestion points, and assess capacity for future expansion and services.
- Interference Levels: Identifying potential sources of signal interference, both internal interference from overlapping frequencies and external interference from other technologies or services, to improve overall service quality.
- Cell Tower Locations: Mapping the precise locations of cell towers along with their signal ranges, critical for accurate network planning, optimization, and infrastructure deployment.
- Technology Types: Cataloging the cellular technologies in use, such as 4G LTE and 5G NR, along with their performance metrics. This supports strategic decisions about technology deployment and upgrades.
- Quality of Service: Evaluating essential service quality indicators like latency, throughput, and packet loss to ensure an excellent user experience and identify areas needing improvement.
- Environmental Impact: Assessing how the local environment, such as buildings, vegetation, and weather conditions, influences signal strength and propagation, enabling targeted solutions to maintain reliable connectivity.
What You Can Do with the App
1. Scan Signals, Earn Points
Earn rewards as a Connectivity Scanner every time you map Wi-Fi or cellular coverage. Each scan improves local network data and earns you valuable points.
2. Rise on the Leaderboard
Compete and collaborate with thousands of global contributors. Your username will shine on the live leaderboard, showcasing your contributions to the community.
3. Track Your Progress
View your Scan History to easily chart your progress month by month. Witness your impact as you help expand coverage around the globe.
4. Unlock Achievement Badges
Celebrate your scanning milestones with 11 exclusive badges.
5. Scan While You Multitask
With Picture-in-Picture mode, conveniently continue scanning in the background, even while using other apps. Maximize your time and boost your rewards effortlessly!
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Join ScanSaturday Every Week
Every Saturday, World Mobile highlights the Mobilers making a real impact on the ground.
You might be walking the streets of Nairobi. You might be driving down a dusty Texas highway. You might be crossing a crowded market in Manila with your phone in hand. But wherever you are, when you scan, you’re doing more than collecting points. You’re lighting up the map. You’re building something bigger, a network owned by the people, powered by the people, for the people.
Each week, World Mobile features the best #ScanForPoints moments: top scorers, epic scanning streaks, and standout shots from the global community.
Want to be featured? Tag your posts with #ScanForPoints or #ScanSaturday on X and show the world how you’re helping connect the unconnected.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the best way to scan effectively?
A: For optimal results, slower movements like walking work best. Scanning relies on regular heartbeat scans performed every minute. Moving too fast can cause gaps in coverage due to missed hexes.
Q: Can I scan while driving, on public transport, or running?
A: Yes, you can scan while in motion. However, faster speeds might cause you to miss some hexes along your route.
Q: I completed my first scan. When will I receive my points?
A: Points are typically awarded within 48 hours, though it might occasionally take longer due to high activity.
Q: Does my phone need a SIM card or cellular data to scan?
A: Yes, your phone must have a SIM card installed. You’ll also need an active data connection (either cellular or Wi-Fi) to submit scans successfully.
Q: Where can I scan?
A: You can scan anywhere worldwide!
