Minutes Network MNT

The sharing economy of the telecommunications minutes market

Introduction

The Minutes Network project is an ambitious initiative poised to revolutionize the call termination market by utilizing new proprietary and blockchain technology. The project’s primary goal is to create a new decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN) telecommunications carrier, offering the lowest termination prices available to Tier 1 operators and using its net revenues to power a new sharing economy.

Powered by its Mintech technology suite, including the Rapid Growth Library (MRGL), Minutes Network’s proprietary technologies enable the seamless onboarding of millions of users by integrating a simple Software Development Kit (SDK) into third-party mobile applications. This approach allows Minutes Network to absorb existing user bases rapidly. Minutes Network revenue-shares with its mobile application partners, eliminating the need for traditional consumer marketing efforts.

The decentralized infrastructure of Minutes Network comprises 500 Switch Nodes and 2,500 Validation Nodes, supporting the termination of up to 72 million minutes of call traffic daily. Individuals can stake Minutes Network Tokens (MNT) to operate these critical infrastructure nodes, earning rewards and contributing to the network’s scalability and integrity.

The MNT token is central to the project’s economic model. Minutes Network uses all its net revenues to buy back MNT tokens from the open market monthly. These tokens are redistributed to network participants, creating a sustainable, reward-based economy. This model ensures cost efficiency and introduces new revenue streams for mobile applications and node operators. Roughly 60% of all rewards are allocated toward the infrastructure operators, while 15% are retained internally. The remaining 25% are shared across network users, making Minutes Network the first telecom company ever to reward people for making and receiving calls over their network.

Minutes Network aims to democratize telecommunications by offering a decentralized, cost-effective solution for call terminations. With its innovative hybrid use of new and existing technologies and transformative approach to user acquisition, Minutes Network is set to transform the paid-for voice-calling telecommunications landscape. This report will delve into the project’s detailed objectives, technological framework, and substantial impact.


Market

Minutes Network operates within the global telecommunications market, which is projected to reach $251 billion in 2024. Although market growth is set to slow across the next four years, it is still expected to be worth $224.6 billion by 2028. (Source: International Wholesale Voice Termination by Minutes Volumes And $ Values, 2021: Statista)

Currently, over one-third of the market is dominated by a set of major international telecommunications operators, while smaller regional and national companies control over 60%.

Within the total market, the Global Wholesale Voice Carrier Market size was valued at $30.7 billion in 2022 and is poised to grow from $35.34 billion in 2023 to $108.85 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 15.1% across the forecast period (2024- 2031), due to the shifting preference of telecom providers from traditional data and voice service to wholesale voice carrier services. (Source: GM Insights)

Wholesale carriers’ share of terminated traffic exceeded 87% of total South American volume, 86% within Sub-Saharan Africa, and over 56% of all voice call traffic to Western Europe. (Source: Global Wholesale Voice Carrier Market, Skyquestt)

Despite the rise of VOIP behemoths like WhatsApp, which disrupted the international industry with free OTT intra-application calls, the continuing wholesale termination segment represents a resilient, large-scale opportunity.

According to Research Squaret, the introduction of OTT services has led to a significant decline in traditional telecom revenue. For instance, in Nepal, revenues from voice services declined by 58% between 2016 and 2022 due to consumers preferring OTT services for communication needs (Source: Research Square).

The Minutes Network business is set to leap over these limitations. The team’s dual competencies in telecoms and blockchain mean that its new proprietary telecommunications technologies and protocols have been fused with blockchain expertise and largely operate outside the regulatory scope.

According to Deloitte, the shift towards decentralized digital technologies is accelerating, with blockchain poised to significantly improve areas such as customer identity verification and transaction security within the telecommunications industry (Source: Deloitte).

Furthermore, the blockchain in telecommunications market size is projected to increase significantly, from $143.6 million in 2021 to $1.03 billion by 2026, indicating a CAGR of 48.5% and showcasing the growing integration of blockchain to enhance telecom operations (Source: Globe News Wire).

Minutes Network is primed to play a leading role in this structural shift. The project is a telecommunications B2B operation, providing voice call termination services to Tier 1 carriers. It is already interconnected, directly or indirectly, to provide termination services to operators, including Skype, Lyca Mobile, Lebara, Sygmtel, Vodatel, Nice Telecommunications Inc., World Mobile, Lyca Mobile, and Worldcall — with the list expanding monthly.

Minutes Network leverages its B2B competencies by collaborating with third-party mobile applications as its route to market. This is a new, incremental revenue stream for applications, and the Minutes Network SDK integration has no impact on the application’s UX.

The use of a pay-as-you-go revenue-sharing model provides a highly attractive alternative approach to user acquisition, allowing rapid user expansion of the network without significant upfront consumer marketing investments.

As a DePIN operation, Minutes Network relies on its network of 3,000 independent infrastructure operators who stake MNT tokens to secure their nodes and earn rewards by operating the infrastructure that keeps the network healthy. They can also terminate call traffic without disruption, securing the network’s stability and scalability. The provision of delegated staking functionality will enable those who miss out on acquiring their own nodes to participate in the infrastructure rewards activity.

The market potential for Minutes Network lies in its ability to offer unmatched cost efficiency and scalability. The Mintech technology suite allows Minutes Network to deliver voice calls directly to the receiver’s handset with zero on-costs. This enables Minutes Network to provide a structurally unmatchable price offer to Tier 1 carrier partners, making it highly attractive in a price-sensitive market.

The Mintech Rapid Growth Library (MRGL) empowers the network to scale rapidly. With a bold target of onboarding over 2 billion users into Minutes Network by 2030, the company is well on its way to smashing that objective well ahead of time. It has already signed an exclusivity deal with major applications operating in 45 countries, bringing over 1.2 billion users to the network over the next two years. Minutes Network has also signed another MOU with an Indian Mobile application development company whose reach will bring another 700 million consumers in view. These two deals bring the 2 billion user objective within touching distance, and there is an extensive live program reaching out to more Mobile Applications Minutes Network, which will be the largest voice-carrier telecommunications network in the world by user base.

Minutes Network secures partnerships with mobile applications by sharing the revenue generated with the integrated partners. This provides applications with a brand new, totally incremental revenue stream without disrupting the applications’ user experience.

Minutes Network has the potential to significantly impact the paid-for voice calling telecommunications market by offering a decentralized, cost-effective solution for call terminations. With its innovative technology, scalability, and growing demand for decentralized solutions, it is well-positioned for success.


Technology

Minutes Network employs a sophisticated blend of existing and proprietary telecommunications protocols to revolutionize call termination. The foundation of its robust framework is the deployment of blockchain to ensure secure, transparent, and immutable transactions, bolstering the reliability of its operations.

Central to Minutes Network’s functionality is the Mintech technology suite, which includes the Rapid Growth Library (MRGL). MRGL facilitates seamless user onboarding by integrating a straightforward Software Development Kit (SDK) into third-party mobile applications. This integration allows Minutes Network to scale rapidly by absorbing existing user bases without relying on traditional marketing strategies.

Targeting two billion users by 2030, Minutes Network has already secured over 1.2 billion users who will be integrated over the next two years. The project also expects to onboard a further 700 million users in the coming months, marking substantial progress toward its 2030 ambition.

Proprietary components like the Mintech Revenue Turbine (MRT) and Mintech Flexible Connect (MFC) further enhance the platform. The MRT optimizes profitability and operational efficiency by dynamically utilizing the lowest-cost paths for call termination, thereby lowering carriers’ costs. The MFC improves compatibility with a diverse range of telecommunication protocols and devices — streamlining processes such as call termination and network connectivity.

The network’s infrastructure consists of 500 Switch Nodes and 2,500 Validation Nodes, equipped to handle up to 72 million minutes of call traffic daily. Switch Nodes manage call routing, while Validation Nodes oversee the performance of Switch Nodes to maintain network integrity.

The MNT token is integral to the platform’s economic model. It serves as the primary medium for transactions and rewards within the network. Net revenues from call terminations are used to buy back MNT tokens from the open market, which are then redistributed to network participants, promoting a sustainable, reward-based economy. This token mechanism encourages network participation and enhances the platform’s overall functionality.

Minutes Network’s unique technological features deliver substantial real-world advantages. By providing significantly lower call termination costs compared to traditional carriers, the platform becomes a compelling choice for telecommunications providers.

Minutes Network’s integration capabilities are enhanced through its Mintech Development Sandbox (MDS) and SDKs, which allow easy incorporation into third-party mobile applications. This integration allows Minutes Network to rapidly expand its user base by allowing existing applications to tap into the network’s features without redevelopment.


Tokenomics

Minutes Network Token (MNT) is the native crypto of the Minutes Network platform. It is engineered to drive the ecosystem’s operations and incentivize stakeholder participation.

The total supply of MNT is capped at 500 million tokens, potentially establishing scarcity to enhance value over time. These tokens are released over 60 months through a controlled, algorithmic schedule that mitigates rapid inflation and maintains a steady market supply. This controlled release includes variable staking options, allowing participants to dynamically adjust their stake amounts influencing reward distribution and token circulation.

Initial token distribution is strategically structured as follows:

  • Team: 23.5%
  • Advisors: 3.5%
  • Private Sale: 2.5%
  • Public Sale: 10.0%
  • Operational Fund: 15.0%
  • Network Expansion: 45.5%​
minutes network token allocation pie chart
Minutes Network Token Allocation

This allocation supports developmental, operational, and community incentivization, with a significant portion dedicated to network expansion to foster scalability. No lock-up period for the public sale tokens facilitates immediate participation in staking and rewards, enhancing liquidity and active use within the ecosystem. 

MNT’s tokenomics are designed to balance supply and demand, encourage robust participation, and support the platform’s long-term stability and expansion. This strategy aims to cultivate a sustainable ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders, integrating deflationary mechanisms and strategic token allocation to maintain a healthy economic environment via several key components: 

  • Controlled Emission: The phased token release over 60 months prevents sudden market inflation and maintains a steady supply, supporting overall market stability. 
  • Deflationary Mechanism: The buy-back and burn strategy incrementally reduces the total token supply, fostering scarcity. 
  • Incentivized Participation: Reward mechanisms for staking encourage robust participation, which secures the network and fuels its expansion. 

MNT’s tokenomics are designed to balance supply and demand, motivate network participation, and underpin the platform’s long-term stability and expansion.

The staking of MNT nodes is a critical function that supports the network’s infrastructure and facilitates a robust reward system. Holders of MNT tokens can stake their tokens in Switch and Validation Nodes, engaging directly in the network’s operations. 

Rewards for node stakers are derived from a substantial portion of the network’s revenue, specifically allocated to ensure active participation and support. This allocation is dynamically adjusted based on the total MNTs in circulation and the amount staked. This ensures that rewards are distributed fairly among stakers, encouraging long-term investment and participation in the network’s growth and stability.

The project also employs a buy-back strategy where net revenues from call terminations are used to repurchase MNT tokens from the open market. The tokens are subsequently allocated to fund network rewards.

Infrastructure operators benefit from 60% of all rewards generated, subject to an algorithmic burn that is determined by the proportion of the total MNT circulating supply that has been staked against the Switch and Validation Nodes. An efficiency decay mechanism is applied to prevent over-staking. 

Network users — the people making and receiving calls over the network — share 25% of all rewards generated, with Minutes Network retaining the remaining 15% to support ongoing technical development. Additionally, a provision for delegated staking enables small token holders to participate in the infrastructure rewards program. Minutes Network’s dynamic reward distribution is algorithmically driven by a smart contract.


Team & Investors

Minutes Network is led by a distinguished team of professionals, each with a deep background in telecommunications, blockchain, and business operations. Their combined expertise drives the platform’s strategic direction and operational success.

Team

Josh Watkins — Chief Executive Officer: Josh possesses a robust technical and managerial background in telecommunications. His career includes pivotal roles at various telecom companies, where he spearheaded the development and implementation of large-scale network solutions.

Roi Elco — Chief Operating Officer:  With a wealth of experience in operations management and strategic planning, Roi excels in scaling technology startups, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving strategic growth.

Gary Carp — Chief of Staff: Drawing on a substantial history of international management consultancy and project management, Gary manages the administrative and operational functions within Minutes Network.

Houssam Berry — Head of Operations EMEA: Overseeing operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Houssam has a profound understanding of the regional telecommunications markets and is instrumental in advancing Minutes Network’s expansion in these regions.

Tahwinder Singh — General Counsel: Tahwinder oversees all legal aspects of Minutes Network. His expertise in corporate law and regulatory compliance is critical in navigating the legal landscapes of various jurisdictions.

Matt Walsh — Senior Wholesale Account Executive: Matt is responsible for business development and client relations, utilizing his strong background in telecommunications sales to manage and expand large accounts effectively.

Jason Zhang — Chief Commercial Officer: Jason leads the commercial strategy and execution at Minutes Network. His extensive experience in telecom sales and marketing significantly enhances the platform’s commercial initiatives.

Dragos Caliman — Chief of Network Operations: As the Chief of Network Operations, Dragos ensures the reliability and efficiency of the network. His expertise in network engineering is vital for maintaining the high performance and operational integrity of Minutes Network.

Advisors

Gisa Fuatai Purcell: Gisa contributes her vast experience in telecommunications and ICT development. Her previous leadership roles in international telecom organizations lend crucial insights into global telecom regulations and standards. 

Prins Mhlanga: Prins provides strategic insights based on his vast experience in the telecom and tech industries. He has successfully led several tech initiatives and startups. 

James Bowater: James is a seasoned advisor with a background in media and digital assets. He offers valuable guidance on integrating blockchain technology into the Minutes Network platform.


Partnerships

Minutes Network is capitalizing on its innovative blockchain technology to establish dynamic partnerships within the global telecommunications market. It targets strategic alliances with leading Tier 1 global carriers and panels of their interconnected partners.

Here’s a snapshot of some of its current direct and indirect interconnections:

Skype: A division of Microsoft, Skype has transformed the telecommunications landscape, offering voice calls, video calls, and instant messaging globally. Known for its user-friendly interface and low-cost international calling options, Skype continues connecting millions worldwide, enhancing personal and professional communication.

PCCW Global: A prominent name in global telecommunications, PCCW Global provides a broad array of innovative solutions, including voice, data, and cutting-edge digital services. With its extensive and resilient global infrastructure, PCCW Global supports multinational enterprises and service providers with high-quality, scalable network solutions.

World Mobile: Positioned as a revolutionary provider in the telecommunications sector, World Mobile is rolling out a decentralized network to provide affordable, high-quality connectivity to under-connected communities worldwide. Their approach combines blockchain technology with a unique economic model to offer connectivity solutions that are significantly more cost-efficient than traditional mobile networks.

Lebara: Operating under the mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) model, Lebara offers flexible and affordable mobile services across multiple countries. Lebara specializes in providing international calling solutions and mobile services to migrant communities, making it a key player in the telecommunications industry for global connectivity.

IDT Corporation: As a global leader in fintech and telecommunications services, IDT Corporation focuses on innovative communication solutions, including voice, SMS, and financial transactions. Recent strategic acquisitions, such as Sochitel, highlight IDT’s commitment to expanding its digital distribution capabilities, particularly in the African markets where mobile financial services are rapidly evolving (IDT Corp).

Digitalk: A cloud-based real-time communications solutions provider, Digitalk focuses on enabling MVNOs and other communications service providers with scalable and innovative platform-as-a-service options. Its services are designed to support rapid deployment and offer comprehensive functionality for managing subscriber services and complex billing scenarios (PCCW Global Inc.).

World Call: World Call is a leading telecommunications provider based in Pakistan. It offers a diverse range of services, including Fiber to The Home (FTTH), digital TV, cable broadband, and Long Distance & International (LDI) communications. Established in 2001, the company is known for its significant contributions to the telecom sector in Pakistan and is publicly traded on the Pakistan Stock Exchange.

Next Communications: Next Communications specializes in providing wholesale long-distance voice, data, and video services. The company caters to both wired and wireless telecommunications carriers globally, facilitating essential telecom solutions across diverse markets (WorldCall Telecom Limited).

Vodatel: Vodatel, based in Zagreb, Croatia, offers telecommunications services with a focus on internet technology. The company provides high-quality, fast internet access along with data and voice communication services at reasonable prices. Metronet Telekomunikacije acquired Vodatel and continues to expand its services under new ownership.

Lyca Mobile: Lyca Mobile is a British mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) operating in 23 countries. It is the world’s largest international mobile virtual network operator with over 16 million customers and a new customer joining every two seconds.

These interconnections provide Minutes Network access to a substantial volume of call traffic for termination.


Product Roadmap

Minutes Network has set out its development and expansion roadmap to align with its mission to revolutionize the telecommunications industry through blockchain technology. This roadmap delineates clear milestones that drive progress and development across multiple phases.

Overview

2024

Q1 2024: Expanded carrier partnerships, concluded the private sale, and initiated a public relations campaign to promote the Token Generation Event (TGE).

Q2 2024: Scheduled the TGE for public subscription, followed by its conclusion and the commencement of node staking. During this period, the platform aims to secure listings on major crypto exchanges and initiate secondary market trading of MNT tokens.

Q3 2024: Plans to onboard 20 million users through strategic partnerships with mobile applications and telecom carriers, leveraging the Rapid Growth Library (MRGL) to scale the user base rapidly.

2025

Q1 2025: Targets handling 10 million minutes of monthly call traffic, reflecting significant platform growth and adoption.

Q3 2025: Aims to onboard 100 million users.

Q4 2025: Projects to handle 50 million minutes of call traffic per month, underscoring the platform’s scalability and widespread utility.

Minutes Network is committed to continuous technological enhancements and product innovations. The platform plans to develop its smart contract capabilities further, enhance scalability within the Mintech technology suite, and introduce new features such as additional DeFi integrations and improved user interfaces.


Conclusion

Project Outlook

Minutes Network is uniquely positioned at the convergence of blockchain technology and telecommunications, offering significant opportunities. The DePIN platform drastically reduces call termination costs compared to traditional carriers by eliminating intermediaries and leveraging decentralized infrastructure.

Blockchain technology ensures that all transactions are immutable and executed automatically. Its use with established telecom carriers and integrations with popular mobile applications are accelerating user adoption.

The Rapid Growth Library (MRGL) deployment facilitates swift onboarding, supporting the platform’s ambitious goal of reaching over 1.2 billion users within two years—a critical factor for achieving a dominant market position via mobile application integrations.

Minutes Network’s innovative tokenomics, featuring a buy-back and burn mechanism, creates deflationary pressure, potentially increasing the MNT token’s value. This economic model encourages ongoing participation and fosters a sustainable ecosystem for users and the broader community.

Conclusion

Minutes Network is revolutionizing the telecommunications landscape by leveraging blockchain technology to offer a decentralized, lowest cost-to-serve voice call termination proposition.

Central to Minutes Network’s rapid growth is its seasoned leadership team, whose deep expertise in telecommunications, blockchain, and international business drives the platform’s strategic direction.

Since its launch, Minutes Network has made significant strides, quickly evolving from a conceptual model to a functional platform managing millions of call minutes monthly. This rapid growth highlights its effectiveness and the increasing market acceptance of its model. The roadmap for the future is ambitious, focusing on scaling user numbers, advancing technology, and expanding market reach with new exchange listings and innovative product features.

Minutes Network addresses crucial industry challenges—reducing call termination costs, enhancing security, and providing a scalable infrastructure. Its dynamic tokenomics, highlighted by a buy-back and burn mechanism for the MNT token, promote a sustainable and lucrative ecosystem for network participants.

With a robust blend of advanced technology, strategic leadership, and a clear vision for the future, Minutes Network is well-positioned to reshape telecommunications. As it continues to innovate and expand, it aims to lead in decentralized telecom solutions and make a lasting impact on the digital economy.