Claim Your Hex: The Rise of the World Mobile Network Builder

Index

Why the Network Builder Platform is the next step
What is the Network Builder
The Network Builder platform (and how to use it)
1. The Opportunity Map
  1. The Starting Bid formula
  2. Save Hexes to your Watchlist
  3. Notifications
2. The Auction Map
  1. Connect your wallet
  2. Place your bid
  3. Compete in real time
  4. Win your Hex NFT
The Network Builder auction process
1. The three phases of the Network Builder auction process
  1. Phase one: The Discovery Phase
    1. The Discovery Phase incentive
  2. Phase two: The Release Phase
  3. Phase three: The Network Expansion Phase
After the auction: The Network Builder progression levels
1. Level 1: Network Growth
2. Level 2: Network Planning
3. Level 3: Infrastructure Enablement
4. Level 4: Network Deployment
5. Level 5: Market Leadership
6. Master Builder designation
Hex Operator rewards: What you can earn
1. Subscriber revenue rewards from your Hex
2. Higher-tier Affiliate rewards
3. Hardware and deployment rewards
4. Milestone rewards for Hex development
5. Master Builder reward
Key roles within the Network Builder ecosystem
1. Hex Operator
2. Lead Operator
3. Agent
4. Host
5. Affiliate
Note: What if I'm not based in the United States?
A new milestone in decentralization is on the horizon

Why the Network Builder Platform is the next step

Every product we’ve launched has solved part of the Network Builder puzzle. AirNodes expand coverage. Phone plans provide a simple subscription model to the network. EarthNodes keep the system secure onchain, and scanning for points uncovers gaps in existing coverage. But to accelerate the development of a global, decentralized telecom ecosystem, we need more than decentralized infrastructure.

We need to decentralize the spirit of entrepreneurship itself.

For decades, the drive to innovate has been structurally stifled by Big Wireless, mired by old, foundational problems: coverage gaps that last for years, decisions locked in corporate boardrooms, and revenue that flows out of communities instead of back to them.

We know the solution isn’t more of the same. The solution is to put operational responsibility in people’s hands, and with it, the drive to build and grow.

That’s what the Network Builder platform does. It turns areas of the World Mobile network into an opportunity for people to step up as entrepreneurs. Anyone can bid for and secure a Hex NFT, which functions as an operating permit to develop network activity within a defined geographic area (a Hex). From the beginning of their journey, the people who win Hex NFTs - Hex Operators - can begin completing the work required to become eligible for rewards, including higher-tier affiliate rewards, by sharing their custom affiliate codes, and milestone-based rewards tied to subscriber growth.

Once they gather 1,000 active phone plan subscribers through their affiliate codes, Hex Operators then become eligible to earn a percentage of phone plan subscription revenue generated inside that Hex, alongside continued affiliate, deployment, and development-based rewards.

This is decentralization with accountability. By distributing the responsibility to build the network across Hexes, we create a system for sustainable growth built on community-driven entrepreneurship rather than unilateral corporate interest. By equipping Hex Operators with the tools and incentives to grow together, we ensure that participants have real power to shape the rewards that they can earn.

It’s time for the trailblazers - the ones who’ve always wanted to build something within telecoms - to step forward and become part of the Network Builder.

What is the Network Builder?

World Mobile Network Builder is a partnership and management platform that gives people and businesses a direct way to help build a telecoms network with World Mobile. It enables the global community to take part in expanding decentralized mobile infrastructure, and in the process, reclaim power over how networks are built and run.

The Network Builder divides the world into equal hexagon-shaped areas called Hexes. Each Hex represents an area of approximately 252 square kilometers. Participants bid for the right to operate and grow network coverage in Hexes through Network Builder auctions.

The people or businesses who undertake this work are called Hex Operators – winners of Hex NFTs – who manage the growth and operation of the network in their Hexes. A Hex NFT is a permit to operate and grow the World Mobile network in a specific Hex. To achieve this goal, Hex Operators must carry out real work, such as engaging with local communities on-the-ground, attracting phone plan subscriber signups, coordinating AirNode deployments, and building coverage within their Hex based on demand. Holding a Hex NFT alone does not generate revenue. In exchange for verified work and successful network activity, Hex Operators may become eligible for rewards (more details on this in the Rewards section here), including a share of eligible network revenue generated from phone plan subscriber fees inside their Hex.

Together, these local efforts create a telecom network that decentralizes the spirit of entrepreneurship, every operator equipped with the tools and the capacity to expand the network, Hex by Hex, worldwide.

The Network Builder platform (and how to use it)

Here is a step-by-step guide to navigating the Network Builder platform and participating in the auction process.

The Opportunity Map

When you step into the Network Builder platform, navigate to the Opportunity Map through the left sidebar.

The Opportunity Map is a live view of Hexes across the United States.

You do not need to log in to see this map. Anyone can anonymously browse the platform and survey the available Hexes.

Clicking on a Hex will pull up key details about the Hex, including population density, number of buildings, and the starting bid for that Hex.

The Starting Bid Formula

The starting bid for a Hex is based on the scale of network infrastructure required to operate connectivity within that Hex.

Two operational constraints are considered when calculating the starting bid.

The first constraint is coverage. This considers the physical layer of the Hex and the number of AirNodes that would typically be required to operate signal coverage within it.

The second constraint is capacity. This considers the maximum number of concurrent users the network could be designed to support within that area, based on conservative technical assumptions.

The higher of these two infrastructure requirements is used. This ensures the starting bid reflects the relative scale of infrastructure that would be required to operate a network in that Hex.

Population estimates are sourced from the most recent USA Census data and other publicly available datasets. These figures are used solely to inform capacity planning assumptions for network design.

Building density is also considered part of network planning. This helps classify areas as urban, suburban, or rural, which affects signal propagation through buildings, vegetation, and terrain.

For capacity planning, the model applies a conservative concurrency assumption, representing a small percentage of the local population being active simultaneously. The network model is designed conservatively, targeting stable LTE-like performance during peak usage periods.

Together, these inputs create a consistent and grounded starting point for each Hex. The goal is to price access based on real-world network constraints and infrastructure requirements, not speculative assumptions.

Here is the formula for the starting bids within the Network Builder:

Starting Bid = MAX(Coverage-based node requirement, Capacity-based node requirement) × AirNode Portal hardware cost × 0.005

This formula does not represent a valuation, revenue estimate, or financial projection. It exists solely to establish a neutral, programmatic starting bid based on infrastructure requirements.

Save Hexes to your Watchlist

The Opportunity Map gives you the option to add Hexes to a watchlist. To do this, just click on the ‘heart’ icon in the Hex details window.

The watchlist ‘heart’, visible on the right-hand side of the Hex title

You can then navigate to your watchlist through the left sidebar and view all Hexes that you have added. This feature enables you to track the Hexes you desire.

The Opportunity Map is a crucial tool in the first phase of the Network Builder auction process. During Phase One, prospective Hex Operators can use this map to explore all available Hexes and save the Hexes they want to operate to their watchlist. This information will directly influence the Hexes that go live in early auction batches as part of Phase Two.

Notifications

Click on the bell icon on the top navigation bar to open notifications.

You will be notified whenever there is a development in the status of a Hex you have bid on; for example, if somebody has outbid you or if the auction timer is about to run out.

You can also stay informed about auctions nearing completion or new bidding opportunities on the platform.

The Auction Map

After surveying the Opportunity Map, and if an auction is currently underway, you can navigate to the Auction Map and participate.

Here’s how the entire process unfolds:

Connect your wallet

You need to connect your Web3 wallet to bid. You may also complete a KYC/KYB anytime, although that’s not an obligatory requirement until after you win your first Hex in an auction.

Place your bid

During an ongoing auction, you can choose a Hex on this map and submit your first bid or bid on a Hex that’s in the middle of an auction. If you’re the first bidder on a Hex, your action starts the timer. Every bid is recorded on blockchain, making bidding history transparent and visible to all.

Compete in real time

You will receive notifications on the platform when you’re outbid, and your bid history will help you track the competition.

Win your Hex NFT

When the timer for a particular auction ends, the highest bidder secures the Hex NFT. The Hex NFT represents the right to operate and build the network in that Hex. A bidder may also skip the countdown and win the Hex immediately by clicking ‘Buy Now’ and paying the buyout price.

The journey of a Hex Operator begins the moment the auction closes.

The Network Builder auction process

Network Builder auctions are the means by which individuals and businesses bid for and secure Hex NFTs granting them the right to become Hex Operators.

The Network Builder auction process begins on 22 December 2025. The auction process is divided into three distinct phases: the Discovery phase, the Release phase, and the Network Expansion phase.

The three phases of the Network Builder auction process

The phased, demand-shaped process is designed to ensure equality, fairness, and long-term network success.

Phase one: The Discovery Phase

The Discovery Phase is the first stage of the Network Builder auction process. Live from December 22, 2025, this phase gathers community demand signals to shape Hex supply during live auctions.

During the Discovery Phase, prospective Hex Operators can explore the full Opportunity Map, research Hexes across the USA, and save the ones they want to operate to their watchlist. This phase enables us to use watchlist activity and map engagement to understand how interest is distributed, to decide which Hexes get released first.

The information gathered during the Discovery Phase will influence which Hexes are prioritized, which value tiers appear first, and how the first auction batches are composed. Hexes that attract more interest during Discovery are more likely to appear earlier in the auction process.

Discovery Phase incentive

To recognize meaningful early participation during the Discovery Phase, we’re introducing a special incentive that will apply during the Discovery Phase.

Participants who save Hexes to the watchlist during the Discovery Phase and secure a Hex in the Release Phase will be entered into a draw to win one additional eligible Hex from their watchlist.

Eligibility rules apply to protect fairness and network economics. Reward Hexes must fall below a $10,000 buy now price threshold, with top-tier metropolitan Hexes excluded. Lower-tier Hexes carry a higher likelihood of selection, while mid-tier Hexes are proportionately less likely. Each qualifying participant may receive up to three Reward Hexes, as long as they successfully purchase a Hex NFT during the first Release Phase auction batches.

Full terms and conditions will be published before the auction process begins.

Overall, the Discovery Phase exists to give participants time to learn, compare, and explore before bidding begins, to support UX feedback and refinements ahead of live auctions, and to prepare stronger and more competitive auction batches in January, with a special incentive to encourage thoughtful watchlist creation and auction participation.

Phase two: The Release Phase

The Release Phase follows the Discovery Phase. In this phase, Hexes are released in batched, 48-hour auctions.

Phase Two will launch in January 2026. If you have signed up for notifications through the Network Builder page, you will receive an email before auction batches go live.

The Hexes available in these early auction batches will be a selection based on activity during the Discovery Phase as well as alignment with network strategy. This includes Hexes added to watchlists, interest shown across different value tiers, and geographic clustering. These signals will be used to decide which Hexes appear first and how each auction batch is put together.

As a result, auction batches will reflect where interest has already been shown, rather than releasing Hexes in a fixed or random order. You won’t just participate in Network Builder auctions; you will get to shape them.

Phase three: Network Expansion Phase

The Network Expansion Phase follows the initial auction batches and focuses on expanding the auction process over time.

During this phase, auction batches will continue to evolve based on observed demand, operator behavior, and network needs. Auctions may extend to additional geographies and include a wider range of value tiers.

Auction frequency may also increase over time to support broader participation and sustained network growth, while continuing to respond to where demand is strongest. We will continue defining the composition and timing of each batch iteratively as participation grows.

Together, these three phases ensure that Hex supply is introduced in a measured, demand-led way, allowing the community to shape early auctions while supporting fairness, informed participation, and sustainable network growth over time.

After the auction: The Network Builder progression levels

Winning a Hex NFT is the starting point, not the final outcome. A Hex NFT gives you the permit to plan, build, and operate network infrastructure within a defined area. Revenue is not generated by ownership alone. It is earned through verified activity that grows the network.

After winning a Hex, each Hex Operator completes onboarding, including KYC or KYB and identification checks.

Progression through Network Builder is structured around five levels. Each level defines a set of actions, establishes specific capabilities, and unlocks corresponding rewards. Progress is tracked inside the Network Builder platform through dedicated dashboards, planning tools, and an obligation checklist that reflects real work completed.

The system is designed to ensure that rewards are earned through active and consistent contributions. Subscriber growth, planning work, infrastructure enablement, and deployment are all tied directly to how and when rewards become available.

Level 1: Network Growth

At the Network Growth level, the Hex Operator is called to reinforce their commitment to building the network within their Hexes, work to actively contribute to World Mobile’s network growth and demonstrate their ability to acquire and activate subscribers.

To complete Level 1, the Hex Operator must acquire 1,000 active subscribers using their affiliate code and publish a minimum of two social media posts per week supporting network awareness, growth, or participation. Achieving the 1,000-subscriber milestone marks completion of the Level 1 growth requirements.

As part of Level 1 progression, Hex Operators may become eligible for an incremental share of eligible World Mobile phone plan subscription revenue, up to a maximum of 5%, earned through milestone-based progression. Milestones are achieved through a combination of subscriber growth driven by the Hex Operator’s affiliate activity and the completion of other required Level 1 work, with increases applied in defined steps, for example a 1 percentage point increase for each milestone achieved.

Where permitted, eligible subscription revenue is attributed based on World Mobile subscriber usage occurring within the Hex, regardless of which affiliate originally referred the subscriber or which underlying network infrastructure is used. This attribution reflects an equitable, usage-based allocation of monthly World Mobile and applicable sub-brand subscription fees associated with activity inside the Hex. Additional milestone-based rewards may be introduced in later phases.

Revenue share eligibility is conditional, non-guaranteed, and may be reduced, suspended, or removed if operational requirements are not met. Subscriber acquisition is not restricted to the Hex itself. Subscribers may be acquired from anywhere within the World Mobile network using the Hex Operator affiliate code. However, acquisition activity that occurs within the Hex may result in greater reward potential.

Social activity is treated as part of the work required to support subscriber acquisition and demonstrate active participation in network growth.

As the Hex Operator approaches the 1,000-subscriber target, they may become eligible to earn milestone rewards at defined thresholds.

Level 2: Network Planning

Level 2 shifts the work from growth to decision-making. At this stage, the Hex Operator undertakes planning work to ensure that they deploy infrastructure in a data-led manner.

To progress through Level 2, the Hex Operator must acquire potential Host locations within the Hex, coordinate coverage scanning using the World Mobile app, and identify coverage gaps and priority deployment zones.

To clear this level, the AirNode deployment plan must align with real demand and coverage needs on the ground, and the Hex Operator must build the evidence base required to move from intent to execution.

Completing Level 2 moves the Hex Operator to Infrastructure Enablement.

Level 3: Infrastructure Enablement

Level 3 is where infrastructure moves from planning to building. At this level, the Hex Operator undertakes the work required to support AirNode allocation and deployment within the Hex.

To complete Level 3, the Hex Operator must successfully conduct an AirNode sale through the World Mobile AirNode platform. This establishes readiness to move from planning into execution and supports the allocation of AirNodes to participants inside the Hex.

Completion of this level may unlock eligibility for a defined percentage of AirNode sales. More details on this reward are outlined within this section. Completing Level 3 enables progression to Network Deployment.

Level 4: Network Deployment

Level 4 is the operational phase. At this stage, the Hex Operator undertakes deployment work to bring the network online.

To progress through Level 4, the Hex Operator must deploy AirNodes at validated Host locations and bring infrastructure to operation. Subscriber acquisition and network growth are expected to continue throughout this stage, alongside deployment work, as the Hex transitions from planning and enablement into real coverage and usage.

Completing Level 4 moves the Hex Operator to Market Leadership.

Level 5: Market Leadership

Level 5 represents scale and sustained performance. At this stage, the Hex Operator undertakes work to grow network participation into a meaningful share of the local market.

To complete Level 5, the Hex Operator must achieve 10% market share within the Hex. This milestone will consider a range of relevant factors including the location and density of the Hex. Full details will be shared with the Hex Operator when they reach this stage. This establishes strong network performance, sustainable operations at scale, and long-term contribution to the World Mobile network.

Completion of Level 5 brings the Hex Operator to Master Builder status.

Master Builder Designation

A Hex Operator who successfully completes all five Network Builder levels, including the Level 5 market share objective, achieves Master Builder status.

Master Builders may receive additional discounts on AirNode sales and an additional 1 percent revenue share. This designation recognizes sustained execution and long-term contribution.

Hex Operator rewards: What you can earn

1. Subscriber revenue rewards from your Hex

As part of Level 1 progression, Hex Operators may become eligible for an incremental share of eligible World Mobile phone plan subscription revenue, up to a maximum of 5%, earned through milestone-based progression. This revenue share is calculated using a combination of subscriber growth driven through the Hex Operator’s affiliate activity and the completion of other required Level 1 work, with increases applied in defined steps- for example, a 1%-point increase for each milestone achieved.

Where permitted, eligible revenue is attributable to subscribers the Hex Operator has attracted, both inside and outside their Hex, and reflects user activity occurring within the Hex, irrespective of the underlying network infrastructure used. Revenue attribution is calculated using an equitable, usage-based allocation of monthly World Mobile and applicable sub-brand subscription fees. Additional milestone-based rewards may be introduced in later phases.

Rewards, if any, may be paid in stablecoins or fiat and apply only to USA phone plan subscription fees for subscribers on the Essential or Advanced plans. For more details on phone plans, visit our phone plans page.

What this revenue does not include:

AirNode sales revenue

Any other hardware sales revenue

Government fees, taxes, carrier pass-through charges, or other excluded items. These costs are not included in eligible revenue and must be borne by the Hex Operator.

2. Higher-tier Affiliate rewards

Hex Operators also qualify for enhanced affiliate rewards in the Network Builder tier.

This includes up to $150 per activated subscriber, and it applies to subscribers acquired inside as well as outside the Hex.

More details will be available to Hex Operators on their dedicated dashboards.

This incentive supports outreach, education, and community activation in pursuit of your subscriber target (more on this in a later section).

3. Hardware and deployment rewards

Hex Operators may earn rewards linked to the deployment and performance of AirNodes inside their Hex.

Includes:

A 12.5% commission on eligible AirNode hardware sales

A usage-based reward applied to AirNodes operating inside the Hex

More information on AirNode-based responsibilities and rewards will be made available in due time.

4. Milestone rewards for Hex development

Finally, Hex Operators may earn additional rewards for completing development milestones that prepare their Hex for wider adoption.

Specifics on these milestones will be communicated at a later stage, but some of these milestones may include:

Scan-for-Points coverage milestones

Securing new Host sites for AirNode deployment

Installing and activating AirNodes

Achieving subscriber growth targets beyond the basic 1,000 subscriber target which all Hex Operators must achieve per owned Hex (more on this in the following section)

Other development and engagement requirements defined in the Network Builder Program

There is no passive income component. All compensation requires continuous, active participation and verified operational work.

5. Master Builder reward

A Hex Operator who successfully completes all five Network Builder levels, including achieving the Level 5 market share objective, attains Master Builder status.

Master Builders receive additional discounts on AirNode sales and an additional 1% revenue share of all eligible subscription revenue within their Hexes. This designation recognizes sustained execution and long-term contribution to the World Mobile network.

Key roles within the Network Builder ecosystem

Hex Operator

At the center of a Hex’s network growth is the Hex Operator. A Hex Operator is the entity (person/business) that wins an auction for a Hex NFT. This gives them the right to manage network operations within a specific hexagonal geographic area and to receive rewards generated from network activity in that area, based on the applicable rules.

Lead Operator

A Lead Operator is an entity with a proven track record across one or more Hexes. Rapid progression through the levelling system may aid qualification for this role. Lead Operators may share experience, guidance, or best practices to support other Hex Operators.

Agent

An Agent is appointed by a Hex Operator to help with on-the-ground activities. This can include marketing, support for network expansion, and identifying potential Hosts. Agents may earn a share of revenue, depending on their agreement with the Hex Operator.

Agents do not need to participate in live auctions, but can apply to be an agent as soon as the Discovery phase begins.

Host

A Host is a participant who applies to install and operate AirNodes at a physical location. Hosts can submit their applications via the Network Builder platform. Hosts do not need to participate in auctions.

Affiliate

An Affiliate helps grow the World Mobile network by referring new subscribers through referral links or codes.

Anyone can become an Affiliate through World Mobile’s Refer & Earn program and begin earning referral rewards immediately. If this Affiliate later purchases a Hex NFT and becomes a Hex Operator, the subscribers they have referred will count toward their Network Builder subscriber targets.

Additionally, Hex Operators follow an advanced affiliate pathway within Network Builder. They earn higher referral rewards, can apply for custom referral codes, and use affiliate activity as a core part of progressing through Network Builder levels.

Affiliate activity connects individual outreach to broader network growth, allowing participants to earn rewards while contributing directly to the expansion of the World Mobile network.

Note: What if I’m not based in the United States?

The first Network Builder auctions are focused on Hexes located in the United States. However, physical presence in the US is not a requirement to participate as a Hex Operator.

World Mobile has already proven that decentralized networks can be built and managed remotely. In Zanzibar, early network expansion and AirNode deployment were coordinated by teams operating across different countries and time zones, long before local operations were fully established. That experience has directly informed how the Network Builder platform has been designed.

Hex Operation is built around coordination, planning, and execution, not physical proximity. The platform supports remote operation through clearly defined roles and workflows. Hex Operators can appoint Agents to carry out on-the-ground activities such as community outreach, coordination with Hosts, and support for infrastructure deployment. These Agents can be individuals, local businesses, or service providers engaged directly by the Hex Operator.

Many early-stage responsibilities, particularly those in Level 1, can be completed from anywhere in the world. Subscriber acquisition through affiliate activity, social awareness efforts, planning work, and coordination with partners do not require local presence. Tools such as online collaboration platforms and global freelance marketplaces allow Hex Operators to source support, delegate tasks, and manage execution remotely while maintaining accountability through the Network Builder platform.

As network development progresses, Hex Operators can scale their local presence as needed by working with Agents and Hosts on the ground, without needing to relocate themselves. This model allows participants from any geography to contribute meaningfully to network expansion while building operational capacity over time.

A new milestone in decentralization is on the horizon

On 22 December 2025, the Network Builder auction process will begin, and ownership within telecom will hit a new milestone of decentralization. Phases One and Two will create the first Hex Operators of the network, who will take on operational responsibility for expanding connectivity and reclaim power over the way networks are built and run.

“Network Builders take the vision of community-powered connectivity and give it a home on the ground. For the first time, people can own Hexes within the network and shape exactly how coverage grows in their communities.” - Micky Watkins, CEO, World Mobile

“The Network Builder platform is the foundation of a new telecom economy. It creates opportunities for individuals to become Hex Operators, for communities to prosper, and for connectivity to expand through shared entrepreneurship.” - Emmanuel Gratch, Chief Investment Officer, World Mobile

For the first time, the ground beneath our feet will become an active part of the network itself — the foundation of decentralized connectivity worldwide.

Claim your Hex. Build the network. Reclaim the future.

Disclaimer: Owning a Hex NFT does not guarantee revenue, profit, or financial return of any kind. All earnings, if any, depend entirely on your work, deployment success, user adoption, and ongoing operation of the node. Participation involves risk, including the possibility of losing the full amount paid for the permit.

World Mobile provides the Network Builder platform and tooling but does not manage, operate, or guarantee the success of any Hex. The system is permissionless and decentralized, and all outcomes are driven by real-world performance, network usage, and operator execution.

All reward calculations, formulas, percentages, thresholds, and incentive mechanics are subject to change at any time. Any examples or descriptions reflect the framework in effect at the time of publication only and do not constitute a guarantee of future rewards or outcomes.

World Mobile

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