Village Connect: Africas First Wifi Sharing DEPIN

[Proposal setup] Proposal title

Please provide your proposal title

Village Connect: Africas First Wifi Sharing DEPIN

[Proposal Summary] Budget Information

Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA

72000

[Proposal Summary] Time

Please specify how many months you expect your project to last

9

[Proposal Summary] Problem Statement

What is the problem you want to solve?

Ghana's internet penetration at only 45% and high costs limiting student access to online education .Traditional WiFi with centralized ISPs dominate pricing this is also across Sub-Saharan Africa

[Proposal Summary] Supporting Documentation

Supporting links

• https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/connectivity-for-good/mobile-for-development/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Ghana-Country-Overview.pdf
,
• https://hackmd.io/@eSkWZhUdSAiL7ybE-80nXw/SyVKMEgKeg

[Proposal Summary] Project Dependencies

Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'

University partnerships for pilot deployment, internet service provider relationships for bulk connectivity packages, and hardware suppliers for Raspberry Pi proxy devices distributed to network hosts

[Proposal Summary] Project Open Source

Will your project's outputs be fully open source?

Yes

License and Additional Information

MIT License enabling global adoption by educational institutions and community organizations

[Theme Selection] Theme

Please choose the most relevant theme and tag related to the outcomes of your proposal.

IoT

[Campaign Category] Category Questions

Describe what makes your idea innovative compared to what has been previously funded (whether by you or others).

Village Connect is innovative as it creates a blockchain-enabled WiFi marketplace where community members monetize surplus bandwidth. Unlike centralized ISPs or donor-driven models, it uses Cardano smart contracts for micro-payments (2–5 ADA per session), ensuring transparent, low-cost, time-limited access. Hosts earn income, students gain affordable internet, and the system scales sustainably across Africa, bridging the digital divide through community ownership.

Describe what your prototype or MVP will demonstrate, and where it can be accessed.

Our MVP will showcase a live decentralized WiFi network across 3 Ghanaian universities, with 15+ hotspots serving 400+ students. Students connect to “VillageConnectWiFi,” pay via Cardano wallets, and receive secure, time-limited sessions enforced by Raspberry Pi devices. A mobile/web dashboard enables QR-based access and host earnings tracking. The pilot demonstrates real-world blockchain utility in affordable, community-driven connectivity and digital inclusion for education.

Describe realistic measures of success, ideally with on-chain metrics.

Success is measured by adoption and on-chain impact. We aim for 400+ students in pilot with 60% retention, >90% session success, and hosts earning ~$197/month.

On-chain, Year 1 generates 100,000+ transactions, 19,584 ADA + in fees, and 10,000+ new wallets using Cardano for daily payments.

By Month 10, revenues cover costs, proving sustainability. These metrics show measurable impact on education, income, and Cardano ecosystem growth.

[Your Project and Solution] Solution

Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem

Village Connect implements decentralized WiFi marketplace through accessible blockchain technology: Hosts configure standard WiFi routers with public SSID ('VillageConnectWiFi') and connect Raspberry Pi devices running Node.js proxy applications managing access control automatically. Students discover available networks through QR codes, mobile app, or web dashboard, paying session fees (2-5 ADA for 1-3 hours) via Cardano smart contracts with integrated wallet support. System validates payments and issues device-specific JWT tokens enabling secure, time-limited access with automatic disconnection at session expiry. Technical architecture includes: Smart Contract Suite handling session payments, access authorization, and revenue distribution to Hosts; Mobile-Responsive Dashboard supporting wallet integration and session management; Local Proxy Network managing WiFi access control, user authentication, and session enforcement; Analytics Platform tracking usage patterns, Host earnings, and network performance; Mobile Money Integration enabling fiat-to-ADA conversion for users without cryptocurrency. Platform ensures regulatory compliance, user privacy protection, and seamless integration with existing campus networks while providing immediate connectivity access and sustainable income opportunities for community network providers

[Your Project and Solution] Impact

Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Educational Access Revolution: $72,000 investment directly enables affordable internet access for 400+ students in Pilot Stage; removing digital barriers to online learning, research, and skill development while creating sustainable community income streams. Economic Inclusion: Creates sustainable income streams for internet-connected community members while demonstrating Cardano's practical utility for daily financial transactions, onboarding 3,000+ new users to blockchain technology through essential services. Digital Infrastructure Development: Establishes reusable framework for community-driven internet sharing that scales across universities, rural communities, and underserved urban areas, creating template for digital inclusion initiatives across Africa. Cardano Ecosystem Growth: Generates 115,000+ on-chain transactions in Year 1 contributing 19,584 ADA in network fees while demonstrating real-world utility that attracts mainstream adoption and international development partner interest. Community Sustainability: Host earnings average $197/month create significant local economic impact while platform's self-sustaining model eliminates ongoing funding requirements, ensuring long-term service availability. Innovation Catalyst: Pioneering Decentralized Physical Infrastructure (DePIN) implementation on Cardano establishes technical precedent for blockchain-enabled community infrastructure that other projects can build upon, strengthening Cardano's position in emerging markets and social impact applications.

[Your Project and Solution] Capabilities & Feasibility

What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Proven Technical Foundation: Based on successful Arbitrum prototype with validated WiFi-sharing technology, IOT Expert & Networking Huawei Expert both technically and PR as well as Cardano smart contract expertise, and established relationships with Ghanaian university communities through educational initiatives. Conservative Implementation Approach: Focused 9-month timeline with realistic user targets (1000 students), proven technology stack (WiFi + Raspberry Pi + Cardano), and established university partnerships providing clear deployment pathway and user validation. Strong Market Validation: Direct research in target communities confirms demand for affordable internet access, existing informal WiFi sharing practices validate market need, and university partnerships provide immediate distribution channels with built-in user base. Sustainable Economics: Self-funding model achieved by Month 4t hrough transaction fees and Host revenue sharing eliminates dependency on continued grant funding while creating positive economic cycles that encourage organic growth and community adoption. Local Team Expertise: Project lead has proven track record in Cardano ecosystem development, African market understanding, and successful community technology deployment with established relationships enabling rapid execution and stakeholder engagement

[Milestones] Project Milestones

Milestone Title

Core Platform Development & Smart Contract Development

Milestone Outputs

Complete Cardano smart contract suite for WiFi session management including payment processing, access authorization, Host registration, and revenue distribution with multi-signature controls and emergency mechanisms. WiFi access control system including Node.js proxy application for Raspberry Pi devices, device-specific authentication protocols, automatic session enforcement, and secure IP management with DNS filtering capabilities. User interface development including mobile-responsive web dashboard, QR code generation and scanning, Cardano wallet integration (Nami, Eternl, Lace), session management interface, and Host earnings tracking portal. Technical infrastructure including development environment setup, testnet deployment and validation, performance optimization for high-throughput usage, and integration readiness for university campus networks. Security framework implementation including user privacy protection, financial transaction security, Host network isolation, and compliance with educational institution requirements.",

Acceptance Criteria

Smart contracts deployed and verified on Cardano testnet with >95% test coverage and successful processing of 1,000+ test transactions. WiFi proxy system operational on Raspberry Pi devices with automatic session enforcement, second connection time, and >99% reliability rate. User dashboard functional with seamless wallet integration, QR code access flow, and intuitive session management achieving >4.5/5 user experience rating. Technical documentation complete for university IT integration and Host onboarding procedures. Security audit passed with zero critical vulnerabilities and educational compliance requirements met.",

Evidence of Completion

"evidence": "GitHub repository with complete smart contract implementations, proxy server code, and user interface components. Testnet deployment with verified contract addresses and successful test transaction logs. Video demonstration of complete user journey from QR scan to WiFi access and session completion. Performance benchmarks showing system capacity, response times, and reliability metrics. Security audit report and educational compliance certification documentation.",

Delivery Month

2

Cost

24000

Progress

30 %

Milestone Title

University Pilot Launch & Community Integration

Milestone Outputs

Official university partnerships established with 3+ Ghanaian institutions including University for Development Studies, KNUST, and University of Ghana with signed agreements and technical integration protocols. Host network deployment including 15+ strategically located WiFi access points across university campuses, student residential areas, and community study locations with pre-configured Raspberry Pi devices and technical support. Student onboarding program including university orientation presentations, mobile app distribution, wallet setup assistance, and educational workshops reaching 400+ students with comprehensive training and support materials. Community engagement initiatives including local entrepreneur training for potential Hosts, community leader partnerships, and sustainable expansion planning with feedback collection and improvement integration. Analytics and monitoring systems including real-time usage tracking, Host earnings reporting, student satisfaction measurement, and network performance optimization with comprehensive data collection for impact assessment.

Acceptance Criteria

Successfully onboard 15+ active Hosts across target universities with operational WiFi sharing networks and positive Host satisfaction ratings >4.0/5. Complete 500+ successful WiFi sessions through pilot program with >90% session completion rate and <3% technical failure rate. Achieve 60%+ student retention rate with repeat usage and positive feedback scores >4.5/5 from pilot participants. University partnerships formalized with IT department integration and official institutional endorsement for continued operation. Analytics dashboard operational providing real-time insights into usage patterns, economic impact, and network performance metrics.

Evidence of Completion

Partnership agreements with university administrators and IT departments documenting official collaboration. Live pilot network with functioning WiFi access points and successful session processing across multiple campus locations. Student usage analytics showing session volumes, completion rates, and user satisfaction surveys with documented feedback. Host earnings reports demonstrating sustainable income generation and positive community economic impact. Network performance data confirming system reliability, security, and scalability for expansion planning.",

Delivery Month

4

Cost

20000

Progress

70 %

Milestone Title

Platform Optimization & Sustainability-Framework

Milestone Outputs

Advanced features implementation including usage of offline USSD onchain for users that would be borrowed from other grant that is to build the USSD on cardano for BirthBond. enhanced analytics dashboard with detailed usage insights and predictive modeling, premium Host features with advanced network management tools, and integration with additional Cardano wallets and payment systems. Sustainability and expansion framework including detailed business model documentation, pricing optimization based on pilot data, partnership expansion strategy for additional universities and communities, and revenue diversification through premium services and institutional partnerships. Community development program including Host training certification, student ambassador network, technical support infrastructure, and ongoing community engagement initiatives with sustainable growth planning. Performance optimization including system scalability improvements, enhanced security measures, mobile app performance optimization, and integration improvements based on pilot feedback and technical analysis. Impact measurement and reporting including comprehensive pilot results analysis, student educational outcomes assessment, Host economic impact evaluation, and strategic recommendations for national scaling with detailed metrics and success indicators.",

Acceptance Criteria

Successfully process 20,000+ total WiFi sessions across pilot network with sustained growth trajectory and >95% technical success rate. Mobile application launched with and active usage by >50% of pilot participants. Achieve financial sustainability with platform revenue covering operational costs and demonstrating clear path to profitability without additional grant funding. Complete comprehensive impact assessment showing measurable improvements in student digital access, Host economic outcomes, and community connectivity with documented success metrics. Expansion strategy validated with interest expressions from 5+ additional universities and clear roadmap for national scaling with sustainable funding model.

Evidence of Completion

Live on USSD and Web with positive user reviews and active usage analytics. Comprehensive pilot results report documenting all success metrics, user feedback, and economic impact measurements with third-party validation. Financial sustainability report showing revenue streams, cost optimization, and clear profitability pathway with supporting financial data. University expansion pipeline with signed letters of interest and detailed scaling strategy with resource requirements and timeline projections. Community impact assessment with documented improvements in educational access, economic outcomes, and digital inclusion metrics.

Delivery Month

9

Cost

28000

Progress

100 %

[Final Pitch] Budget & Costs

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_YoHTPaX_AFy-p3TNGLkJQIgkX79pfbvb5fu2WakucA/edit?usp=sharing

[Final Pitch] Value for Money

How does the cost of the project represent value for the Cardano ecosystem?

Educational Access Revolution: $72,000 investment directly enables affordable internet access for 3000+ students in Year 1,

removing digital barriers to online learning, research, and skill development while creating sustainable community income streams.

Cardano Ecosystem Demonstration: Showcases practical blockchain utility beyond financial services through real-world infrastructure application, generating 115,000+ on-chain transactions and 19,584 ADA in network fees while onboarding 3,000+ new users to Cardano ecosystem.

Sustainable Community Economics: Creates self-sustaining economic model where Hosts earn average $197/month from surplus internet capacity while students access affordable connectivity, eliminating ongoing funding requirements and ensuring long-term service availability. Digital Infrastructure Template: Establishes reusable framework for community-driven internet sharing across Africa with open-source components enabling adoption by universities, rural communities, and development organizations worldwide.

Cost-Effective Impact: $112.50 cost per student served compares favorably to traditional educational technology initiatives while providing superior sustainability, community ownership, and economic empowerment outcomes. Strategic Positioning: Positions Cardano as leading blockchain for educational technology and community infrastructure in emerging markets, attracting international development partnerships and demonstrating social impact leadership that strengthens ecosystem credibility and adoption.

[Required Acknowledgements] Consent & Confirmation

Terms and Conditions:

Yes