Wireless Web3

The Future of Decentralized Connectivity Needs More

By Jeffrey Padovani - Founder of Blockwidth

As Web3 adoption accelerates, everything changes. Unlike Web2, where centralized servers efficiently manage traffic, Web3 decentralizes everything - every transaction, interaction, and connection. Blockchain, crypto, and decentralized applications (dApps) are not just buzzwords; they represent the infrastructure of tomorrow. But here's the catch: Web3 is going to demand far more from telecom networks than we currently anticipate. For instance, every interaction on the blockchain, whether a financial transaction, a smart contract execution, or data storage - requires multiple network nodes to verify and validate the activity. Traditionally, blockchain nodes have been housed in fixed locations; servers, data centers, or powerful computers. These nodes validate transactions, store blockchain data, and maintain network integrity through State Updates. As Web3 matures, the concept of decentralization is expanding beyond these static nodes to include mobile devices. Smartphones, with their increasingly powerful processors, abundant storage, and constant connectivity, are well-suited to take on the role of mobile blockchain nodes.

When a smartphone acts as a node, it can participate directly in blockchain operations by validating transactions, contributing to consensus algorithms, and securing the network. This dynamic participation allows blockchain networks to scale out more effectively by leveraging millions of mobile devices, making the network more resilient and decentralized. Furthermore, as these devices move across different locations, connecting to different cellular towers, they introduce fluidity and redundancy to the network, ensuring that blockchain operations continue uninterrupted even as nodes join and leave the network. We are beginning to see smartphones being built around Web3, but the market is very niche. However, as Web3 scales into pockets and purses, the volume of network traffic will surge, putting pressure on the existing bandwidth and infrastructure already supporting legacy Web2 services.

One of the key benefits of decentralization is security. The more nodes there are in a blockchain network, the harder it becomes for malicious actors to attack it. With Web3 smartphones, the number of potential nodes increases exponentially, creating a more secure network. Each smartphone node can help verify transactions, making it significantly more difficult for any single entity to compromise the network. In a wireless environment, where cellular data traffic is constantly changing, this added layer of security is critical. As smartphones connect to and hand off between cellular towers, they bring mobility to blockchain networks, effectively adjusting to ever-changing conditions. This means that blockchain networks can stay robust even in fluctuating environments, as new nodes can join or rejoin the network from anywhere, enhancing both decentralization and security.

Web3-enabled smartphones have the potential to decentralize and scale blockchain networks in ways never seen before, but this shift will require more than just software updates and AI. The cellular infrastructure itself needs to adapt to accommodate Web3 technologies. This includes optimizing bandwidth usage, ensuring seamless handoffs between cellular towers, and maintaining low latency for real-time blockchain validation. In essence, we’re looking at a future where blockchain networks scale not by adding more data centers, but by leveraging everyday devices. This requires a different approach to network engineering and transport. Given how new Web3 technology is, it’s difficult to predict its exact bandwidth requirements. The opinion of the author is that the Web3 internet will demand significant capacity, where Time to Finality is crucial. The sheer volume of data generated by blockchain validation alone is substantial. Too much for today's smartphones to handle by themselves without support.

Today's Web2 environment generates a staggering 33 exabytes of traffic per day globally, with video streaming accounting for over 80% of this (The App QoE Company | Sandvine)(tecrounder). Global internet traffic in 2024 is expected to approach 400 exabytes per month. With Web3, however, the future demand on networks will be exponentially higher due to its processing nature, where every interaction requires validation across multiple nodes. As Web3 becomes mainstream, it will transform into Wireless Web3. Millions of smartphones and tablets will become nodes; interacting on-chain daily, primarily over mobile networks. This means mobile network operators - especially the top three in the U.S. (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) will bear the heavy responsibility of transmitting Web3 data. These carriers already face constraints. Current networks struggle under the load of Web2 data usage, with coverage limitations in rural and underserved areas (DataReportal – Global Digital Insights). Peak usage times further strain bandwidth, leading to slower speeds and service degradation. As the demand for decentralized applications grows, the pressure on these networks will only intensify. It's time for a 4th data carrier to emerge, with a backhaul network built for this. Then there is the risk where one of three goes down for an undetermined amount of time. Where is the backup coming from? Has this scenario even been considered yet before its realized?

The reality is that current mobile network infrastructure was not built for the decentralized demands of Web3. Blockchain technology requires constant, real-time validation across a global network of devices. This decentralized architecture will push existing networks to their limits, highlighting the urgent need for dedicated bandwidth, infrastructure, and resources tailored specifically for Web3. If we don’t invest in a dedicated Web3 network now, we risk falling behind, with existing networks struggling to support the weight of a decentralized future. It's time to prepare for the next evolution in connectivity - Wireless Web3 is coming, and we need the infrastructure to support it. Blockwidth was created for this very reason, to deliver bandwidth for blockchain. A new telecom carrier network dedicated solely to Web3. This network would focus on the unique bandwidth requirements and infrastructure needs of a decentralized world. By designing a network that prioritizes Web3 traffic using patent-pending technology, Blockwidth can ensure that the future of the Web3 internet remains scalable, reliable, and truly decentralized. Now is the time while Web3 is still in its early stages of development. For Web3 to thrive, we'll need dedicated bandwidth, resilient infrastructure, and optimized resources. This isn't just an upgrade - it's a necessity for the next internet.