NBA champion Tristan Thompson and World Mobile launch community-owned network Uplift

Tristan Thompson, the NBA champion, made waves at TechCrunch Disrupt with the announcement of a groundbreaking partnership with World Mobile. Together, they are set to introduce Uplift, a community-driven mobile network that promises unlimited data plans starting at just $9.99 monthly. Uplift is leveraging blockchain technology along with a Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) to create a new model in the telecom sector. Every subscription will not only support network expansion at the neighborhood level but also enable local participants, known as 'AirNode operators,' to earn a share of the revenue generated by the network. Thompson emphasized the mission behind Uplift, stating, "For me, it’s about, how can I help people that have walked the same life that I walked. We’re providing connectivity and connection for unlimited data at a significantly lower cost." He expressed a strong desire to uplift his community, particularly in inner-city areas, and to instill hope through enhanced connectivity. Beyond his achievements on the basketball court, Thompson is a vocal proponent of innovation and social inclusion. He holds multiple leadership positions in the Web3 and fintech sectors, including serving as the chief digital equity officer at World Mobile and chief advisory officer at AxonDAO, a medical research platform utilizing AI technology inspired by his brother's experience with epilepsy. He is also a co-founder of Basketball Fun, a Web3 initiative that tokenizes NBA players, and the chief content officer for Tracy AI, focused on sports analytics. The launch of Uplift aims to provide affordable internet access to underserved communities. World Mobile highlights the effectiveness of this model, citing a successful pilot in Reno, Nevada, where community hosts earned over $10,000 annually by improving connectivity in their areas. Thompson remarked, "We brought about 20% of Reno back to connectivity," showcasing the network's potential impact. Furthermore, Uplift's infrastructure is built on proven systems established through World Mobile’s previous deployments in the U.S. The service is set to debut in Cleveland, Ohio, with plans for expansion to additional cities in 2026. With over 50 million Americans living near or below the poverty line and many lacking access to affordable high-speed internet, Uplift aspires to transform this landscape by ensuring that the wealth generated from mobile services remains within the communities that foster it.