Denis Sklyarov is the co-founder and CEO of WiFi Map App, a platform that allows users to find and connect to free Wi-Fi hotspots around the world.
In this exclusive interview with Bitnewsbot, Sklyarov discussed the origins of the app, the challenges of building a global community, and the future of connectivity.
With millions of users worldwide, WiFi Map App is revolutionizing the way people stay connected on the go.
Read on to learn more about Sklyarov’s insights and vision for the company.
- Can you tell us more about how WiFi Map works and how it differs from other internet connectivity platforms?
WiFi Map is a superapp that helps users find and connect to free WiFi hotspots around the world and also to get eSim whenever they need it. The app has a database of over 10 million WiFi networks in more than 200 countries, including public hotspots, cafes, restaurants, and other locations with free WiFi.
Unlike other internet connectivity platforms, WiFi Map relies on user-generated data to update its database.
This crowdsourcing approach allows WiFi Map to provide a more comprehensive and up-to-date list of free WiFi hotspots than other platforms that rely on static databases or partnerships with specific providers.
Overall, WiFi Map is a useful tool for anyone who needs to find free WiFi while traveling or on the go. Its user-generated database and advanced features make it a unique and valuable platform for internet connectivity.
Now we are turning from Web 2.0 to Web3 with our token $WiFI which is now listed on OKX, a world-famous top tier exchange.
- How has blockchain technology helped WiFi Map create a more secure and transparent marketplace for internet connectivity sharing?
Security was always a top priority for WiFi Map, long before the idea of creating our own token. However, blockchain technology has played a crucial role in making WiFi Map a more secure and transparent superapp for internet connectivity sharing. Here are a few ways in which blockchain has helped WiFi Map achieve this.
First of all, decentralization: blockchain technology allows WiFi Map to operate in a decentralized manner, meaning that there is no central authority or entity controlling the network.
Instead, the network is run by a large number of nodes that are distributed around the world, making it more resilient to attacks and ensuring that no single entity can manipulate the data on the network.
In the future we think that smart contracts will help to automate the process of sharing WiFi passwords. Smart contracts automatically execute when certain conditions are met.
In the case of WiFi Map, these contracts could ensure that the person sharing the password is rewarded with tokens for their contribution.
Overall, the use of blockchain technology is set to help WiFi Map create a more secure and transparent platform for internet connectivity sharing.
By leveraging the decentralized nature of the blockchain, creating immutable records, using smart contracts, and implementing a token economy, WiFi Map is building a platform that is more resilient to attacks, more transparent, and more rewarding for its users.
- Can you walk us through how users can earn and use $WIFI tokens on the platform?
The easiest way to get $WIFI tokens is to buy them from OKX. We have exclusive co-listing on the OKX CEX and DEX.
From April 7, this is the place to buy our tokens. Users will also earn tokens in the app.
The primary way to earn $WIFI tokens on the WiFi Map platform is by adding hotspots to the database.
You can also earn tokens by verifying WiFi hotspots, including their locations and other important details. This ensures the accuracy of the data on the platform and helps other users find reliable WiFi connections.
In future we want to bring more utility to our token, boosting our current offer which includes the possibility of redeeming $WIFI for eSIM mobile data packages.
We’re also thinking about voting, where we could allow users to vote on important platform decisions, such as the addition of new features or changes to the token economy.
This gives users a voice in the development of the platform and helps ensure that it meets their needs.
- What are some of the biggest challenges WiFi Map has faced in building its platform and growing its community, and how have you addressed those challenges?
One of the biggest challenges for WiFi Map is ensuring the accuracy of the data on its platform.
To address this, we’ve implemented a verification system that allows users to verify the location and details of WiFi hotspots. This helps ensure that the data on the platform is up-to-date and reliable.
Another challenge for WiFi Map is keeping users engaged and active on the platform. To cope with this, WiFi Map has implemented a reward system that incentivizes users to share WiFi passwords and verify hotspots.
The company has also added gamification features, such as leaderboards and badges, to encourage users to participate.
Moving into Web3 is also a new and challenging experience for us. Onboarding Web 2.0 users, establishing partnerships and beating the competition from other crypto projects are all challenges we believe we can deal with.
We understand that we have to prove our value, as we have done by making the WiFi Map app a global success in the first place. As for the $WIFI token, we’re very excited about bringing it into the world.
We are constantly working on improvement. From WiFi finder we made a long way to superapp with eSim, VPN, offline maps, converter and now our own token. Nobody said it was easy, but look where we are now!
- Can you share any plans or upcoming features that WiFi Map has in store for its users?
We have already mentioned that the implementation of the $WIFI token will bring new options such as voting.
It will help us to collect rapid feedback from our users and maybe even inspire us to add new features to WiFi Map.
Joining Web3 also means a lot of opportunities for partnerships and collaborations. We are open to suggestions and currently exploring the Polygon market.
At the same time, we are now focused on spreading the word about the $WIFI token. We began with listing on OKX and have other exchanges in the pipeline, but we can’t disclose the details yet.
- How does WiFi Map plan to expand its reach and impact in the coming years?
We have huge plans and a decentralized world gives us free rein for implementation. We want to expand our database of WiFi hotspots to cover more areas, especially in rural and remote areas that may currently have limited access to WiFi.
Our mission is to give everyone access to a free and secure internet connection.
For a new player in the Web3 field it is vital to develop partnerships with more businesses. We already have strategic partnerships with power bank sharing services Chargefon and Fast Energy.
This means WiFi Map users will be able to redeem $WIFI tokens to rent power banks on the go. Future partnerships will help us expand our user base and increase the number of hotspots in the app.
We are also focused on improving the user experience and constantly working to make the app more user-friendly and intuitive. We see that our community is always sharing our news and updates.
This means a great deal to us, so we want to give them the best experience possible.
7. Can you discuss the recent partnership with Chargefon and how it will benefit WiFi Map users?
We announced our partnership in late 2022, with the aim of expanding access to charging and WiFi services. Chargefon is a network of mobile device charging stations, which will also soon offer free WiFi to users at its stations.
The partnership expands the range of services available through WiFi Map, providing users with access to both mobile device charging and WiFi services in one place. This is particularly useful for users who are traveling and may need to charge their device and connect to WiFi on the go.
Ultimately, the partnership aligns with WiFi Map’s mission to improve connectivity and accessibility for all, ensuring that everyone can stay connected and fully charged, regardless of their location or circumstances.
8. How does WiFi Map ensure the privacy and security of its users’ internet connectivity sharing?
WiFi Map takes the privacy and security of its users’ internet connectivity sharing very seriously. Here are some of the measures WiFi Map has in place to protect its users:
- Encrypted connections: WiFi Map encrypts all user data to protect it from unauthorized access, ensuring that sensitive information such as login credentials, browsing history, and personal information cannot be intercepted by third parties.
- User-generated content: WiFi Map relies on user-generated content to create its database of WiFi hotspots. However, we have a strict content policy that prohibits users from sharing personally identifiable information. Moderation is done through a combination of proprietary AI tools and human moderators.
- Anonymous sharing: WiFi Map allows users to share their WiFi connections anonymously, so that they can help others without revealing their identity or personal information. Users can choose to share their WiFi connections with a password or without one.
- Opt-out: WiFi Map respects its users’ right to privacy and allows them to opt out of having their WiFi connections listed on the app. Users can simply change their router name or hide it from public view to prevent it from being added to WiFi Map’s database.
- Best security practices: WiFi Map encourages users to follow best practices for securing their WiFi connections, such as using strong passwords, regularly updating firmware, and enabling encryption. WiFi Map also provides resources and tips to help users protect their privacy and security.
9. Can you talk about any regulatory or legal hurdles WiFi Map has had to navigate, particularly around cryptocurrency and blockchain technology?
Of course, the use of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology can be subject to regulatory and legal challenges, as these technologies are still relatively new and not yet fully understood by many governments and regulatory bodies.
Some countries have implemented strict regulations around the use of cryptocurrencies, such as China’s ban on initial coin offerings (ICOs) and South Korea’s restrictions on cryptocurrency trading.
Additionally, the use of blockchain technology in certain applications may raise legal concerns, such as issues related to intellectual property rights, data privacy and consumer protection.
We’re proud to be a 100% global app, and we have a strong team of legal experts and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. We haven’t faced the hurdles yet, but we are well prepared for all kinds of challenges.
10. How does WiFi Map prioritize community engagement and feedback, and what steps do you take to ensure your users feel heard and valued?
As a crowdsourced app we put our users’ feedback first. This is a key part of our product development and user experience.
We provide multiple channels for users to provide feedback, including through the app’s feedback form, social media accounts and email. We also actively monitor and respond to mentions and use a special service to ensure that user concerns and suggestions are acknowledged and addressed.
Further to this, WiFi Map is transparent about its product development and future plans, sharing updates and progress reports with its users.
This transparency helps to build trust and confidence among users, and encourages continued engagement and feedback.
To learn more about WiFi Map visit their website at wifimap.io and their Twitter profile at twitter.com/wifimapapp. You can also download the app for iOS on Apple’s APP Store and for Android Devices on Google Play Store.
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