World Mobile Expands Connectivity in Lahore with 336 AirNodes: A Step Toward Bridging the Digital Divide

Introduction

In the suburbs of Lahore, a bustling metropolis in Pakistan with over 11 million residents, World Mobile has installed and integrated 336 AirNodes on the WMTScan platform. This achievement has brought connectivity to approximately 25,000 customers, heralding a new era of digital access.

Milestone Achievement

This deployment marks a significant milestone on the path to commercial launch, following the announcement in May 2023 to test World Mobile AirNodes in Pakistan. Remarkably, this feat was accomplished without any World Mobile engineers or employees on the ground.

Collaboration and Innovation

The first batch of AirNodes in Pakistan is strategically positioned in Lahore's suburbs, guided by World Mobile’s partner, WorldCall. WorldCall, which began as a payphone service provider in 1996, has evolved to offer a diverse range of services, including Cable Broadband, Wireless Broadband, Cable TV, Video on Demand, LDI services, and fiber optic networks. This partnership aims to create a more accessible and affordable mobile network.

AirNodes Deployment

The 336 AirNodes are strategically located in residential and commercial areas, each extending its wireless network range to cover approximately 75 meters in radius. These upgraded Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) with World Mobile AirNode functionality convert optical signals to electrical, enabling connection to other wiring systems.

Exclusive User Access

Initial users are joining the World Mobile network through an invite-only system, targeting existing WorldCall cable broadband customers and their networks. This B2C model will expand into the B2B sector in future phases, marking the beginning of full integration of the Pakistan rollout.

Future of Connectivity

The Pakistan rollout exemplifies how the World Mobile sharing economy model can scale across various geographies and backhaul providers. This deployment is a substantial step toward productising and scaling innovative solutions, committed to bridging the digital divide and connecting billions.

Final Thoughts

The expansion of World Mobile's network in Lahore is more than a technological achievement; it represents the power of collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision of a more connected world. As we continue to deploy AirNodes, we remain dedicated to creating decentralized and incentivized models to connect underserved communities.