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Roam Emerges as DePIN Leader with 3 Million Nodes and Innovative Tokenomics

21 March 2025 13:50, UTC

The Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) sector is gaining traction in 2025 as a key bridge between Web3 and the physical world. Messari’s State of DePIN 2024 released earlier this year highlights that over 13 million DePIN devices globally power infrastructure networks daily. Though still in its infancy — capturing less than 0.1% of a trillion-dollar market — DePIN has secured over $350 million in early funding. In 2024, Solana took the lead in network infrastructure, paving the way for projects like Roam to rise.

Roam, a standout in this Web3 push, now boasts nearly 3 million WiFi nodes and 2.5 million users. Two months ago, its node count stood at 1.2 million, earning it a spot in Messari’s report as one of just five DePIN projects worldwide with over a million hardware nodes. Today, with 220 million network check-ins, Roam’s growth and community engagement are striking.

Roam leverages OpenRoaming technology and blockchain-based DID/VC systems, paired with free eSIM services and token rewards, to rapidly expand its wireless network. This approach draws users into Web3 while offering them steady income, positioning Roam as a gateway to decentralized connectivity.

On March 6, the ROAM token launched on 12 exchanges, including Bybit and Bitget, hitting $120 million in trading volume on its first day and topping spot trading charts on both platforms. Beyond its technical edge, Roam introduces an innovative points-and-token deflation system, shifting from supply growth to demand-driven value, boosting its revenue potential.

A DePIN Powerhouse

Roam is the only Web3 Identity Provider in the Wireless Broadband Alliance’s OpenRoaming™ consortium, partnering with giants like BT Group, Comcast, Cisco, and Google. Its network spans over 190 countries, with 3 million self-built nodes and more than 4 million OpenRoaming™ hotspots.

Messari recognized Roam’s million-node milestone earlier this year, followed by a dedicated Understanding Roam report. Solana posted videos on X twice to introduce Roam, and since December 2024, Roam has led DePINscan’s hardware node rankings, pulling further ahead of rivals.

Roam combines DID/VC privacy tools, OpenRoaming security, 5G integration, and decentralized identity management to deliver a secure, private wireless service. This ensures seamless global connectivity while protecting user data — a model for a cross-border, future-ready operator.

Roam’s Discovery platform collaborates with 25 projects across Layer1, PayFi, and AI, offering node resources, software tools, and community support to drive Web3 adoption. It also tackles traditional data silos with DID/VC and TEE+ZK tech, ensuring privacy and data flow. As an AI infrastructure player, Roam’s “3W” data (Who, When, Where) plus payment and device insights enhance AI training by distinguishing real from synthetic data. It equips AI agents with credentials for smart home and IoT integration, advancing a human-machine future.

Soon, ROAM tokens will power gaming hubs and credit card payments, boosting user engagement and token utility.

Post-Launch Buzz

Roam’s token launch on March 6 sparked a frenzy, with $120 million in first-day volume. By March 18, ROAM posted a 30% 24-hour gain, briefly leading DePIN spot trading on Bybit and Bitget. CoinGlass data on March 16 showed ROAM topping DePIN, underscoring its early strength.

Roam’s potential shines through its staking and lock-up incentives. The project offers 50% APY for general users and 200% for miners, with a “sticker” boost — set to launch soon — adding 20%-30% to yields. Users can also lock tokens for eSIM data rewards: 100 ROAM yields 5GB, 200 ROAM gets 12GB, and 500 ROAM unlocks 30GB over 28-day cycles. This ties token value to real-world use, reducing sell-offs.

Despite market swings, Roam holds strong. Its March 18 volume hit $28.81 million, reinforcing its DePIN dominance while Solana dipped 4.59%. Staking and lock-up incentives signal a shift to demand-side growth, building a solid foundation for the future.

Tokenomics with a Twist

Roam’s 1 billion token supply splits into 120 million for the team (unlocked over 6 years), 280 million for investors, and the rest via mining. With 280 million circulating and an FDV of $1.8 billion, there’s growth potential. Post-launch, mining rules will adjust to balance supply.

Roam’s points-and-token deflation system uses burning and reverse-burning pools to shrink circulation. A pre-launch Pilot burned a quarter of 18 months’ points in ten days, and after the initial ramp-up, more than 10,000 people participated online at any cycle. Points come from adding WiFi nodes, Check-Ins, and soon AI interaction for regular users, with miners earning more under updated rules. Users can now swap their ROAM tokens back into points and make the most of it — 97% of swapped tokens are burnt, making ROAM truly deflationary. Conversion rates are dynamic, based on General and Sticker Burning Pool averages.

Token release follows Bitcoin’s decay — 0.6% monthly at first, down to 0.001% after 50 years—with adjustments tied to network activity for stability. Gaming hubs and credit card payments will soon amplify demand, while the upcoming yield boost aims to lock 10% of supply (28 million ROAM), cutting sell pressure.

Roam’s Vision

Roam is more than a DePIN contender — it’s a pioneer crafting a decentralized global wireless network. Its blend of cutting-edge tech and smart economics drives crypto adoption and supports AI’s rise. This is a project built for the long haul, and it’s just getting started.

About Roam

Roam is dedicated to creating a decentralized, global, open wireless network that delivers seamless and secure connectivity for individuals and smart devices, whether stationary or on the move. Leveraging a blockchain-based credential system, Roam has facilitated the widespread adoption of WiFi OpenRoaming among small and medium-sized enterprises.

According to Messari’s 2024 State of DePIN report, Roam ranks as the fourth-largest DePIN project worldwide, boasting a network of nearly 3 million nodes across 200 countries and a community of 2.5 million registered app users. Messari’s recently published report, Understanding Roam: A Comprehensive Overview, underscores Roam’s pioneering role in the DePIN sector. The network also promotes participation by offering free eSIM data to users who engage in activities such as building and validating WiFi nodes, further solidifying Roam’s leadership in driving DePIN adoption.

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