Imagine an expanded world, one that brings connectivity to more than half of the people around the globe who currently lack it.

It’s a world that transcends inefficient systems as a part of today’s emerging decentralized landscape. Envision the linkages between this movement and the rise of blockchain-based tokenization, empowering users to overcome the digital divide that exists in today’s world.

One project seeks to bring these visions to life through a digital platform connecting users via an ad hoc wireless mesh network. That project is RightMesh.

Doing Right by the World

Fueled by its parent company, Left, a 100-person, global media and technology parent company and certified B Corporation with offices in Vancouver and Bangladesh, this ambitious project promises to boost new connectivity options and enhance social and economic outcomes for billions of unconnected users around the world.

Approximately $7 million in funding from Left’s profitable subsidiary, Left Travel, has been invested in the development of RightMesh to date. Left’s team is comprised of over 35 computer scientists, professors, industry experts, marketing gurus and solidity developers in Vancouver, Canada. There is also a team of over 65 developers working in Bangladesh.

By fostering the intersection between mesh networks, blockchain technology and tokenization, RightMesh is on a quest to transform the world by connecting the next billion people, all with the hope of lifting at least 100 million out of poverty. As a first step toward putting the power of connectivity into the hands of global citizens, the beta stage of this effort was recently released to a selective group of app developers worldwide.

This initiative comes as growing numbers of people across the world are recognizing that connectivity need not be tethered to expensive and error-prone infrastructure or central control. Large swaths of the world remain unconnected due to unaffordable data costs and poor infrastructure. And despite the fact that many of these people have smartphones, they still face barriers and constraints with regard to internet connectivity.

The Utility of Mesh Networks

Instead of a public Internet Protocol (IP) address, which requires internet connectivity, RightMesh employs a “mesh ID” that allows for the creation of trust when no connectivity exists. Through the use of blockchain and cryptographic technologies, this network is comprised of anonymous people who, while not knowing one another, rely on each other to share information back and forth. Network users therefore are verifiable to others only to the extent in which they share their identity.

These users are called “nodes.” They are integral to how the mesh network works, helping to transfer information among users within the ecosystem. Those on the RightMesh network will be incentivized to engage in these exchanges through payments in cryptocurrency. The tokens used will be ERC20-based, utilizing the Ethereum blockchain.

RightMesh also empowers developers to set up new and repurposed mobile mesh peer-to-peer applications. This accords with the company’s belief that mobile mesh network solutions have the potential to provide millions across the world with access to the information they need for making measurable improvements in their lives.

By way of example, in Asia and Africa, where women walk an average of 3.7 miles per day gathering water, a mesh-enabled app solution might alert them to the current water levels, whether there are any obstructions on the walking route or if others nearby have any extra water to share.

While RightMesh’s current strategic focus is on emerging markets, the company recognizes that there are also major benefits for the developed world. It’s here where mesh network–enabled apps are suited to support net neutrality and boost network efficiency during times of high-demand network congestion. These apps also offer utility for conferences, sporting events, higher education, concerts and other high-density venues that require alternative forms of connection.

The New Era of Global Connection

Co-founders John Lyotier and Chris Jensen are the lead conductors of RightMesh’s ambitious quest. Lyotier is an entrepreneur and a successful marketer with more than 20 years of experience in promoting, launching, designing and jump-starting new businesses and products through innovative marketing concepts. His forte is leveraging technology, marketing and product hacks to bring new ideas to market.

Jensen is responsible for motivating and guiding the team at Left. A veteran of many startups, his work currently involves keeping an eye on logistical and practical matters so that others in the company can focus on their areas of brilliance. With a background in banking, operations and corporate development, Jensen applies best practices to the high-growth company.

Lyotier and Jensen said that the company’s main focus at present is building relationships with developers who have an interest in creating mesh-enabled apps and existing app retrofits on the RightMesh platform. The two see this as a critical element to fostering connectivity within emerging markets.

Then there’s the SDK Public Beta, scheduled for release in the second quarter of 2018. According to Lyotier and Jensen, attention will then shift to establishing the stability and fit of RightMesh through the refining of the mesh network. In 2019, once the protocol has been completed and the token market fit has been achieved, RightMesh will be in a position to accelerate the global growth of its nodes and community networks.

Finally, RightMesh will launch its token generation event on February 15, 2018.

“We believe that when you combine blockchain-based technologies, token incentivization and wireless mesh networks, you unleash the potential of technology and economic network effects and make a lasting difference on the world around you,” Jensen said.

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