Decentralized network Uplink tops 40K routers, targets lower internet costs

Uplink has reached a milestone of 40,000 routers, signaling growth potential for decentralized wireless networks.

Uplink, a decentralized connectivity system for existing and new internet infrastructure, aims to create more cost-efficient networks for WiFi, 5g and other cellular technologies worldwide.

Highlighting the increasing demand for decentralized internet infrastructure, Uplink reported its milestone of 40,000 routers worldwide, according to an announcement shared exclusively with Cointelegraph.

This achievement reflects the growing demand for cost-effective internet solutions, according to Uplink CEO Carlos Lei. “By integrating both existing and new wireless infrastructure into our connectivity ecosystem, we’re demonstrating that mass adoption is already happening,” Lei said. He added:

“This achievement validates the scalability of decentralized connectivity and its potential to reshape how wireless networks operate globally.”

Uplink is part of a wider technological shift known as a decentralized physical infrastructure network, or DePIN. Unlike centralized internet providers, Uplink enables users to actively contribute to the network in exchange for passive income that can be used to offset their internet costs.

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Uplink aims to cut internet costs by over 50%

Uplink’s primary mission is to reduce internet service costs for end-users by over 50%. Continued adoption could cut costs by up to 90%, Lei said. “One of the biggest barriers to global internet access is the persistent digital divide — many regions struggle to afford reliable connectivity due to factors like inflation, corruption and high infrastructure costs,” Lei told Cointelegraph. He added:

“Uplink’s decentralized model directly addresses this by allowing individuals to either use their existing devices or deploy new ones, earning for their contributions to the network.”

For these cost reductions to trickle down to end-users, Uplink is aiming to significantly reduce capital expenditure and operation costs for internet service providers.

Other companies creating low-cost internet access worldwide include billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink, which already offers coverage to over 100 countries through over 6,400 satellites, just nine years after it launched.

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DePIN industry flashes $3.5 trillion opportunity by 2028

DePIN is one of the fastest-growing industries, with an estimated total addressable market of over $2.2 trillion.

The DePIN industry is expected to reach over $3.5 trillion by 2028, which would mean an over $1.3 trillion increase, according to a Messari report from January 2023.

Uplink is aiming to capture at least 5% of the growing DePIN industry with its decentralized connectivity solution, Lei explained.

“This isn’t just a theoretical concept,” he said. “It’s a practical, scalable solution that can transform global internet access. With the right infrastructure and community support, we believe this vision is entirely achievable.”

Over the next decade, Uplink hopes to support over 300 Internet of Things devices and save telecom companies over 10% of annual expenses by offloading internet traffic from their current infrastructure.

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