Dabba Network, operating under Wifi Dabba, Inc., is a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) project designed to deliver high-speed, affordable internet connectivity across India through a Web3-powered WiFi network. Utilizing the Solana blockchain and its native DBT token, Dabba Network incentivizes over 100,000 local cable operators (LCOs) to deploy and maintain WiFi hotspots, targeting underserved regions.

With a mission to connect one billion Indians to the internet over the next decade, the project addresses the significant gap in India's broadband infrastructure. As of June 2025, Dabba Network has sold over 13,000 hotspots, demonstrating early traction. Backed by prominent investors like Y Combinator, Multicoin Capital, and Borderless Capital, and led by experienced founders Karam Lakshman and Shubhendu Sharma, the project is poised to capitalize on the growing DePIN sector and India's surging data demand. However, it faces challenges from regulatory complexities and competition from both traditional ISPs and other DePIN projects.

Dabba Network's vision is to bring the next billion people online in India while rewarding participants for their contributions to the network. This ambitious goal aligns with the global push for digital inclusion, particularly in emerging markets with limited internet access.

India's digital growth has outpaced its broadband infrastructure, resulting in only 30 million fixed broadband connections for a population of over 1.4 billion, compared to 112 million in the US and 612 million in China (Nokia MBiT Index). Data demand is skyrocketing, with traffic increasing 3.2 times in the last five years, and mobile data is expected to double by 2025. This gap highlights the need for scalable, affordable internet solutions.

Dabba Network employs a managed deployment model, partnering with over 100,000 Local Cable Operators (LCOs) in India to deploy WiFi hotspots in high-demand areas. Hotspot owners purchase devices like the Dabba Lite ($199 plus $100 in DBT for activation), which LCOs install and maintain.

The DBT token, operating on a mint-and-burn model, incentivizes stakeholders and burns tokens as data is consumed, ensuring economic sustainability. This approach optimizes resource allocation and leverages existing local infrastructure for rapid scaling.

Dabba Network operates within the DePIN sector, which uses blockchain and token incentives to decentralize physical infrastructure like wireless networks, storage, and computing. The DePIN market is experiencing rapid growth, with a current market capitalization estimated between $17B and $32B, projected to reach $3.5T by 2028 according to Messari.

The fixed broadband market in India is nascent but growing, with approximately 39 million subscribers in 2024. The market size is estimated at around $9.36B, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.39% through 2031.

Unlike competitors with global or regional focuses, Dabba Network targets India's unique market, where low broadband penetration and high data demand create a significant opportunity. By partnering with LCOs, Dabba ensures efficient deployment and maintenance, leveraging local expertise. Targeting low-income users and small merchants, Dabba offers cost-effective internet access, aligning with India's economic landscape.

$DBT is the native utility and governance token of the Dabba Network and has a maximum supply of 10B. Out of these 4B are pre-mined, which are allocated to Dabba Foundation, WiFi Dabba Inc., and institutional investors with a 2-year lock-in and 2-year linear vesting. The remaining 6B are minted for hotspot owners with a fixed schedule, 10% emitted in the first year, and then decaying by 10% annually. 

The leadership team's expertise in technology and entrepreneurship aligns with Dabba Network's long-term vision. The CEO and Co-founder, Karam Lakshman, is a Y Combinator alumnus with a background in technology and entrepreneurship. Previously led the internet and mobile fund at the Centre for Innovation Incubation & Entrepreneurship at IIM Ahmedabad and founded Mildly Classic, a software logistics company, achieving a successful exit after five years. His passion for coding and product development drives innovation at Dabba Network.

Shubhendu Sharma is the other co-founder and COO, a Y Combinator alumnus with over 15 years of experience in operational and product roles across various industries. Met Lakshman at IIMA, where he served as a program evangelist. His operational expertise ensures efficient network deployment and management. Their prior collaboration on internet connectivity solutions, including building one of India's largest public WiFi networks, positions them to effectively execute Dabba Network's ambitious goals.

Dabba Network represents a transformative approach to addressing India's internet connectivity challenges through a DePIN model. By leveraging blockchain technology, token incentives, and a managed deployment model with LCOs, the project is well-positioned to scale in a market with low broadband penetration and high data demand.

With over 13,000 hotspots sold, 3.9TB of data consumed, and strategic partnerships like BONK, Dabba Network demonstrates strong early traction. Karam Lakshman and Shubhendu Sharma's experienced leadership, combined with backing from Y Combinator, Multicoin Capital, and Borderless Capital, enhances its credibility and potential for success.

Looking ahead, Dabba Network's focus on affordability and accessibility positions it to capture a significant share of India's growing broadband market, projected to expand at a 13.39% CAGR through 2031. The DePIN sector's projected growth to $3.5T by 2028 further supports its long-term potential.

However, key risks include regulatory challenges in India's telecom sector, competition from traditional ISPs like Jio and Airtel, other DePIN projects like Helium, and the need to scale infrastructure while maintaining quality and affordability. If Dabba Network navigates these challenges successfully, it could serve as a model for decentralized internet solutions in emerging markets worldwide.