World Mobile and DITO Telecom: A Game-Changing Partnership Bringing 13m Users Onchain

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Written by
World Mobile Team
Feb 5, 2025
World Mobile and DITO Telecom: A Game-Changing Partnership Bringing 13m Users Onchain

Connectivity should never be a privilege. It is a fundamental right. Yet, 28.7 million people across the Philippines still live without reliable access to the internet. We’re working to change that - starting now.

We have joined forces with DITO CME, the holding company of DITO Telecom, to bring our blockchain-powered mobile network to the Philippines. DITO Telecom has rapidly become one of the country’s most dynamic telecom providers, and our decentralized infrastructure model is designed to remove barriers to connectivity and financial inclusion. Together, we are reshaping mobile access from the ground up.

DITO has already transformed the Philippines’ telecom space, accruing over 13 million subscribers. Now, by integrating with our Decentralised Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) and bringing those users onchain, DITO will connect the country’s hardest-to-reach regions with a sustainable, community-driven model. 

How? By deploying World Mobile AirNodes and using Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite backhaul. This will deliver high-speed, affordable internet to remote communities and break the cycle of digital exclusion. 

By integrating DITO’s national footprint with our Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN), we’re building a system designed for scale, resilience, and community involvement. This model prioritizes sustainable access over short-term profit, powered by blockchain technology and supported by Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit satellite network. The result: fast, affordable connectivity delivered to regions previously left behind.

From Passive Usage to Active Participation

This partnership goes beyond coverage. It invites participation.

In the current telecom landscape, people remain passive consumers. Our model introduces the opportunity for shared ownership and governance, enabling individuals to become active participants in how their connectivity operates - and how its value is distributed.

Dtaka: Financial Empowerment at the Edge

Alongside connectivity, this partnership also introduces Dtaka - a blockchain-based financial ecosystem built on the World Mobile Chain.

Dtaka is designed to support a more inclusive financial system. A stable token will facilitate everyday mobile money use, including remittances. A complementary utility token will reward participation and support community-driven engagement. Both tokens are designed to operate within a secure, decentralized framework, accessible to all.

“Dtaka is set to revolutionize digital finance in the Philippines, empowering users with a seamless and secure blockchain-powered platform. By combining World Mobile’s expertise in blockchain and DITO’s extensive market reach, we are unlocking new opportunities for financial inclusion." - Emmanuel Samson, CEO, Dtaka

The timing is right. Mobile adoption in the Philippines continues to grow, with smartphone penetration exceeding 72% in 2024. Yet connectivity remains out of reach for many. This is the gap we aim to close.

“Our collaboration with World Mobile is a testament to our commitment to innovation and inclusivity. By integrating blockchain technology and extending connectivity to rural sectors, we are transforming the telecommunications landscape in the Philippines and beyond.” - Donald Lim, Chairman, DITO CME

We believe that infrastructure built with communities, not simply for them, leads to more lasting outcomes - socially and economically.

Looking Ahead

The first phase of rollout begins in 2025. Communities across the Philippines will start gaining access to decentralized mobile coverage. Dtaka’s wallet and app will launch in parallel, offering a new path forward in digital finance.

As the network expands, so does its impact - reaching more regions, enabling more people, and unlocking new models of inclusion.

A Future Led by Communities

At the core of this initiative is a belief in decentralization as a vehicle for equity. The more communities contribute to the network, the more value they help create and retain. This is a move toward long-term resilience - not just in connectivity, but in the economic systems that support it.

“We’re not simply expanding infrastructure. We’re shaping a new model of access - decentralized, community-led, and designed to meet the needs of those it serves.” - Micky Watkins, CEO, World Mobile

This is a step forward for the Philippines - and a step toward a more inclusive global network.

Join the movement. Reclaim your power.