Connecting the World: WiFi Map’s Journey from Frustration to Innovation

CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Denis Sklyarov, Co-Founder and CEO of WiFi Map

Question – What was the primary motivation behind creating WiFi Map, and how did you come up with the idea?

Answer: The main drive behind WiFi Map’s inception was to revolutionize the way people find and share WiFi hotspots. My co-founder, Igor Goldenberg and I were personally frustrated while traveling abroad and struggling to find free WiFi. This sparked the idea of creating a decentralized, community-based platform to address this issue and provide a better solution. Since our launch we have added many other products and services on the WiFi Map app like VPN, eSIMs, currency converter, speed test tool, and others. Our aim is to introduce an array of products and services tailored to enhance travelers’ experiences and cater to their requirements.

Question – Could you explain how the decentralized, community-based ecosystem works and how users contribute to sharing WiFi hotspots?

Answer: WiFi Map users actively participate by sharing information about WiFi hotspots in their vicinity. They can contribute to the WiFi Map ecosystem by adding new hotspots, updating existing ones, and using the speedtest feature to test the WiFi speed. In return users get rewarded in $WIFI tokens. Community members can even tip the contributors with $WIFI token if they are happy with the contributor’s contributions. The $WIFI tokens can then be used to purchase services like global eSIM on the WiFi Map App.
This collaborative effort creates a vast and up-to-date database of WiFi hotspots globally and also rewards the loyal customer base, making WiFi Map one of the largest Web3 communities in the world.

Question – What were the major technical challenges faced while building WiFi Map’s platform, and how did you overcome them?

Answer: The journey of building WiFi Map’s platform came with significant technical hurdles:

1. Data accuracy: Ensuring accurate hotspot information was paramount. We developed a verification system to validate the authenticity of hotspot data and prevent inaccuracies using AI & ML (artificial intelligence & machine learning).
2. Cybersecurity: To tackle this, we implemented robust security measures like encryption and two-factor authentication to safeguard user data.
3. User interface: To create a user-friendly experience, we invested in extensive user research and feedback to refine and optimize the platform’s interface.

Question – What blockchain technology or framework does WiFi Map utilize for its DeWi ecosystem, and what were the reasons for choosing that specific technology?

Answer: WiFi Map’s DeWi ecosystem leverages the Polygon blockchain, which is renowned for its scalability, security, and low gas fees which makes it suitable for WiFi Map.

Question – How does the $WIFI token fit into the WiFi Map ecosystem, and what are the various use cases for the token within the app?

Answer: The $WIFI token serves as the heart of WiFi Map’s ecosystem, enabling various functionalities, such as:

1. Rewards: Users get rewarded for contributing to the WiFi Map Ecosystem. Users earn by adding hotspots, verifying networks and testing internet speeds.
2. Transact/redeem: Users can redeem their $WIFI on the app for global E-SIM.
3. Cashbacks: Users receive 15% cashback in $WIFI when redeeming for eSIM mobile data.
4. Tip: Users can send $WIFI to tip/thank the people who added their favorite hotspots.
5. Trade: Users can head to top-tier exchanges including OKX, Huobi and Gate.io to buy, sell, trade and stake $WIFI.

Question – Can you share any insights into the future technical developments and innovations that WiFi Map plans to introduce to the platform?

Answer: Exciting technological innovations are on the horizon for WiFi Map’s platform, and our extensive user base of over 160 million puts us in a uniquely advantageous position.

1. $WIFI Staking: Enterprises can soon stake $WIFI within the app to enhance visibility and promote their businesses on the maps.
2. Enhanced Public Services: In the near future, we’ll introduce additional app updates that empower users to conveniently locate public restrooms through WiFi Map.
3. Enhanced $WIFI Utility: Our ongoing efforts to amplify $WIFI’s usefulness include collaborations with prominent companies, securing exclusive discounts for $WIFI holders.
4. Numerous upcoming enhancements, such as the street view feature allowing users to explore streets through the WiFi Map App, are in the pipeline.

Question – How does WiFi Map maintain a balance between offering a seamless user experience and ensuring the app’s security against potential cyber threats?

Answer: Maintaining a seamless user experience while prioritizing security is crucial to WiFi Map. We achieve this by employing a multi-layered security approach:

1. Cutting-edge encryption techniques to protect user data and transactions.
2. Regular security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities proactively.