NBA champion and tech innovator Tristan Thompson is taking his next big leap off the court and into the digital skies as World Mobile’s inaugural Chief Digital Equity Officer. In this role, Thompson will lead initiatives to address the growing digital divide, bringing affordable, community-owned internet to underserved neighborhoods across the United States and beyond.
World Mobile, a decentralized wireless network company, has set its sights on connecting the 3 billion people worldwide still without internet access. Thompson’s leadership comes at a pivotal time as the company expands its mission through innovative solutions, including a pioneering partnership with Indonesia’s digital infrastructure giant Protelindo to deploy hydrogen-powered, stratospheric aircraft. These High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) will provide blockchain-secured, direct-to-handset connectivity at altitudes of approximately 20,000 meters, capable of supporting hundreds of thousands of users simultaneously.
Central to the initiative is World Mobile’s native WMTx token, which underpins the network’s economic model, enabling on-chain settlements, permissioned access, and aligned incentives for users, infrastructure providers, and node operators. The blockchain-driven system ensures a self-sustaining, scalable network capable of reaching areas typically underserved by traditional fiber or cellular infrastructure.
Thompson’s role includes leading the Community Connectivity Fund, a multi-million-dollar effort to help low-income U.S. neighborhoods gain access to affordable high-speed internet. This fund will support local infrastructure projects, pilot programs, and education on community ownership of telecom networks, emphasizing that digital access is not just about connectivity but about empowerment.
“Tristan brings a unique combination of influence, experience in technology, and a personal commitment to underserved communities,” said Micky Watkins, CEO of World Mobile. “Together, we are creating a model where communities can own and benefit from the networks that serve them.”
The hydrogen-powered aircraft, already tested successfully in the UK and Middle East, offer a sustainable alternative to satellite-based solutions, cutting carbon emissions by up to 99% while delivering connectivity to challenging terrains. Initial deployments will target strategic regions in the U.S. and Indonesia, providing reliable internet to areas often overlooked despite existing infrastructure.
For Thompson, the mission is deeply personal. “Growing up with limited access to opportunity, I understand the transformative power of connectivity,” he said. His work with World Mobile merges influence, innovation, and impact, aiming not just to connect communities—but to give them a stake in their digital futures.
With Thompson at the helm, World Mobile is redefining global connectivity, ensuring that everyone, everywhere, has access to the internet and the tools to shape their digital lives.