NBA Champion Tristan Thompson Unveils Uplift: A Community-Owned Mobile Network
San Francisco, CA — At the TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 conference, NBA champion Tristan Thompson announced an innovative partnership with global telecom provider World Mobile to introduce Uplift, a community-centric mobile network promising unlimited data plans starting at just $9.99 per month.
A Revolutionary Mobile Network Model
Uplift utilizes blockchain technology and a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) to empower communities. Each subscription helps enhance local network coverage, enabling what are termed “AirNode operators” to earn a share of the network’s revenue by delivering connectivity to their neighborhoods. This initiative is set against the backdrop of a $2 trillion telecommunications industry, striving to disrupt its centralized nature by redistributing value to both users and local operators.
Empowering Communities Through Connectivity
“For me, it’s about helping individuals who share similar experiences to mine,” Thompson stated during his presentation. “We aim to provide affordable connectivity for unlimited data to improve lives. Our mission revolves around uplifting communities and instilling a sense of hope.” Thompson has an extensive background advocating for innovation and inclusion beyond his acclaimed basketball career, where he secured an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Currently, he holds several executive positions within the Web3 and fintech sectors, including chief digital equity officer at World Mobile.
Thompson is also the chief advisory officer at AxonDAO, a medical research platform inspired by challenges faced by his brother with epilepsy, alongside being the co-founder of Basketball Fun, a Web3 initiative that tokenizes NBA players.
Proven Model Expanding in Cleveland and Beyond
World Mobile emphasizes that Uplift’s model has been tested in Reno, Nevada, where local hosts generated over $10,000 annually by providing essential coverage in underserved communities. “We were able to reconnect 20% of Reno back to connectivity,” Thompson remarked. This successful pilot also supported recovery efforts during a hurricane in Asheville, North Carolina, when traditional providers fell short.
Uplift is set to launch soon in Cleveland, Ohio, with plans to expand to more cities in 2026. World Mobile points out that over 50 million Americans live near the poverty line, often lacking access to affordable high-speed internet. Uplift aims to bridge this gap, ensuring that revenue generated from mobile usage is reinvested into the communities that foster it.
Conclusion
Tristan Thompson’s launch of Uplift represents a significant step toward providing affordable internet access to those who need it most. With a focus on community engagement, the initiative’s decentralized approach promises to create opportunities for individuals while enhancing connectivity across America.
Stay tuned for further updates as Uplift makes its mark in Cleveland and expands nationwide, truly exemplifying a model of community-driven innovation.
