Source: Cointelegraph
Original: “The Physical Infrastructure of Bitcoin (BTC) is the Most Underrated Strategic Asset in the Industry”

Author: Scott Buchanan, Chief Operating Officer of Bitcoin (BTC) Depot

A new proposal to install Bitcoin ATMs in federal buildings raises an important question: Can cryptocurrency really become mainstream without a stronger physical presence? For years, the industry has focused on software and decentralization, but its hesitation to invest in real-world infrastructure is beginning to show. Without physical access points, cryptocurrency could become an exclusive system limited to insiders, rather than the open alternative it set out to be.

Everyone loves to talk about decentralization. There are good reasons for this. It defines the movement, shapes the technology, and supports the vision of building a better financial system. However, as the industry focuses on code and algorithms, it misses something fundamental. A decentralized system that only exists online is not truly decentralized.

The physical infrastructure of Bitcoin is the missing link. Without tools like ATMs, kiosks, and access points at traditional retail locations, millions of people will be unable to access cryptocurrency. Decentralization is not just about eliminating intermediaries. True decentralization requires expanding access. Without real-world touchpoints, even the most advanced networks will be limited to a closed circle of insiders.

To make cryptocurrency mainstream, it must be accessible on both digital and physical levels. This means appearing where people already go and seamlessly integrating into their lives. Many groups within the U.S. population still rely on cash or cannot use traditional banks. According to the latest report from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, about 5.6 million American households are unbanked or underbanked. Bitcoin ATMs provide these users with access without the need for apps, bank accounts, or crash courses in blockchain. Today, most crypto tools assume users have a certain level of financial knowledge and infrastructure, which millions do not. The result is a digital-only ecosystem that locks out newcomers and widens the gap between early adopters and others.

Physical infrastructure helps address this issue. Bitcoin ATMs in grocery stores or gas stations are not just conveniences; they are bridges to financial inclusion. They extend an invitation to those who have never purchased cryptocurrency, telling them they can participate. No banks, no brokers, just a user-friendly screen in a familiar place.

These machines can also generate new economic activity. When kiosks create passive income, local businesses benefit from increased foot traffic. For many communities, they provide access to a parallel financial system that was previously out of reach. This is a tangible example of the real-world practicality of cryptocurrency. It is already happening, and it is measurable.

The industry often views physical infrastructure as an afterthought. The obsession with building new digital solutions has created a blind spot. Innovations without availability will build systems that serve only a few while excluding the majority. If someone can buy Bitcoin (BTC) in the same place they purchase their morning coffee, that is the moment cryptocurrency stops feeling like an obscure digital asset and starts becoming part of everyday life.

As governments strengthen regulations, trustworthy and transparent interfaces will become increasingly important. Operating within a regulatory framework, Bitcoin ATMs provide a way to connect traditional finance and digital assets. They are familiar, easy to monitor, and offer the general public a more accessible entry point. Like any financial tool, Bitcoin ATMs face scrutiny, especially in cases where they are exploited by criminals. However, we should not simply dismiss these devices; instead, we should focus on investing resources to strengthen regulations, enhance consumer education, and create smarter laws. The vast majority of people using Bitcoin ATMs do so for legitimate reasons: remittances, secure fund transfers, or acquiring digital assets without traditional banking barriers. Building trust does not mean avoiding or dismantling physical access points; it means refining these channels.

The average user’s first encounter with Bitcoin should not require reading complex white papers or operating tutorials. This process should be as simple and intuitive as using a regular ATM or payment terminal. This is not an argument against innovation. Software and protocols will continue to evolve and play important roles. But physical infrastructure can provide something that these technological tools cannot: trust built through physical presence. When people can see and use cryptocurrency in their communities, in the stores they frequent, or through familiar means, it will change their perception of cryptocurrency and their understanding of who it is for.

According to Coin ATM Radar, there are currently over 30,000 Bitcoin ATMs in the United States. This is an important starting point, but it is still just a small step on the road to widespread adoption.

The long-term success of cryptocurrency depends not only on technological innovation but also on inclusivity. This means not only building networks but also establishing a physical presence. When people can interact with cryptocurrency in the real world, it is no longer an abstract concept but a practical tool. This is the key pathway for digital finance to transform into everyday finance.

Viewpoint author: Scott Buchanan, Chief Operating Officer of Bitcoin Depot.

免责声明：本文章仅代表作者个人观点，不代表本平台的立场和观点。本文章仅供信息分享，不构成对任何人的任何投资建议。用户与作者之间的任何争议，与本平台无关。如网页中刊载的文章或图片涉及侵权，请提供相关的权利证明和身份证明发送邮件到support@aicoin.com，本平台相关工作人员将会进行核查。