[htdvisser]

These base stations (we call them gateways) are owned and operated by individuals, communities or companies. The gateways demodulate transmissions and forward them to The Things Network's public community network.

There are currently over 8000 of these gateways worldwide (see also the map on https://www.thethingsnetwork.org/map).

[amadeusw]

What is the incentive for a hobbyist to set up and maintain a gateway, given that the protocol is not open?

[abricot]

Most probably don't want to have a say in the protocol specifications, they just want to use the protocol and spectrum.