Tristan Thompson and World mobile introduce Uplift: A community-Centric Mobile Network

Transforming Telecommunications Through Decentralized Innovation

NBA star Tristan Thompson has partnered with global telecom leader World Mobile to launch Uplift, a mobile network owned by its users that offers unlimited data plans starting at just $9.99 monthly. This groundbreaking initiative harnesses blockchain technology alongside a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) to revolutionize how connectivity is delivered, managed, and monetized.

A Collaborative Approach to Network Growth and Earnings distribution

The Uplift platform redefines conventional telecom models by directing subscriber fees toward expanding local coverage areas. Community members, called “AirNode operators,” host segments of the network infrastructure and earn income by providing service within their neighborhoods. This innovative system challenges the conventional centralized telecom industry-currently valued at over $2 trillion worldwide-by redistributing value back into the hands of users and local contributors.

Empowering Communities Through Enhanced Connectivity

“My mission is to uplift those who have faced challenges similar to mine,” Thompson expressed during the launch event.“By delivering affordable unlimited data,we’re opening doors for communities in need-helping urban areas flourish and inspiring hope for brighter futures.”

From Basketball Champion to Digital Equity Advocate

Beyond his NBA championship success with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Tristan Thompson has emerged as a key figure in tech innovation focused on digital inclusion. He holds executive roles across web3 and fintech industries, serving as chief digital equity officer at World Mobile and chief advisory officer at axondao-a medical AI research platform inspired by his brother’s epilepsy journey.

Thompson also co-founded Basketball Fun, a web3 initiative that tokenizes professional basketball careers, while leading content strategy as chief content officer at Tracy AI-a company delivering real-time sports analytics powered by artificial intelligence.

Tangible Impact Demonstrated Through Pilot Programs

the Uplift concept is backed by concrete results from pilot projects like one in Reno, Nevada. There, community hosts earned more than $10,000 annually by providing vital coverage in underserved neighborhoods. Key outcomes from World Mobile’s US deployments include:

• Restoring internet access for nearly 20% of Reno residents previously without service.
• Dramatically improving connectivity after Hurricane Ian struck Asheville, North Carolina-where major providers such as Starlink faced outages-by deploying teams via helicopter flights that quickly reestablished critical internet links during disaster recovery efforts.

Cleveland Set To Lead Initial Rollout With Nationwide Expansion Planned For 2026

The first phase of Uplift’s deployment will commence soon in Cleveland before extending into additional metropolitan regions throughout next year. The project aims not only to deliver affordable high-speed internet but also ensure economic gains remain within local communities generating this value through shared ownership models.

Narrowing America’s Digital divide One Connection At A Time

An estimated 50 million Americans live near or below poverty thresholds without dependable access to affordable broadband services-a disparity Uplift intends to address through its unique model emphasizing user participation and revenue sharing among community members themselves.

The Next Era Of Telecom Is Rooted In Community Ownership And Participation

This pioneering collaboration between Tristan Thompson and World Mobile represents far more than another wireless provider-it marks a paradigm shift toward democratizing telecommunications infrastructure so everyday individuals can actively benefit from their involvement rather than remaining passive consumers under centralized corporate control.