I’ve been a part of the Helium project since 2018, and building out hotspots on their first IoT network since 2019 and the mobile network since it’s launch, witnessing its remarkable journey from a bold concept to a transformative network. The Helium Network initially captured attention by allowing anyone with a small, Raspberry Pi-like device to mine $HNT tokens and join a decentralized ecosystem. This network, which leveraged LoRa (long-range) radio technology, created an unprecedented, community-owned infrastructure for IoT (Internet of Things) devices. As nearly every object in our daily lives becomes internet-enabled, the demand for reliable and expansive IoT networks is soaring, and Helium has risen to meet this demand in extraordinary ways.
The Helium ecosystem has since evolved, pivoting toward a new goal: decentralized 5G wireless connectivity. With its latest innovation, Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN), Helium is working to fill connectivity gaps, especially in areas with limited or inconsistent 5G coverage. Individuals and businesses can now participate in this decentralized network by selling a portion of their internet bandwidth, earning income through Helium’s crypto mining incentives.
Helium Mobile: A Glimpse into the Future of Telecom
Telecom’s next disruptive wave is here, and it’s called Helium Mobile. This isn’t about speculative memecoins; it’s about real-world, impactful crypto adoption. Helium’s decentralized cellular network is making headlines, with more than 330,000 people connecting to it in a single day last week. Here’s the kicker: most of these users had no idea they were even connected to Helium’s infrastructure, seamlessly switching to Helium Mobile Hotspots for connectivity when needed.
How It Works
Helium Mobile operates by offloading data from traditional telecom carriers to the Helium Network. Around 3,000 Helium Mobile Hotspots allow subscribers from other telecom providers to connect and transfer data. Since the program began, subscribers have transferred nearly 250 TB of data over Helium’s network. With data priced at $0.50 per GB, revenue from this decentralized network is accelerating fast.
A Win-Win-Win Model for Connectivity
Helium’s model is a win-win-win for consumers, carriers, and network operators:
Better Service for Customers: Cellular data users gain access to more reliable and complete coverage.
Increased Reach for Carriers: Telecom providers can extend their services without needing to build new infrastructure.
Earnings for Network Operators: Individuals, small businesses, and tech enthusiasts earn rewards for participating in the network.
These “operators” are people like you and me — individuals contributing to the future of connectivity and making a direct impact on the telecom landscape.
What Is DePIN?
Helium’s approach is built on the concept of a Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN). DePINs use digital assets and new incentive structures to minimize the traditional costs associated with building and running network infrastructure. By tapping into the power of decentralized ownership, DePINs have the potential to disrupt telecom and beyond, creating new efficiencies in industries where the status quo has remained unchanged for too long.
When you hear the word “crypto” and think “memecoins,” think again. DePINs like Helium’s are poised to shake up practically every industry, proving that decentralized infrastructure is not only feasible but is already here, solving real-world challenges and driving innovation.
Why Solana?
As DePIN networks grow, they need a powerful, scalable home base. Helium and DePIN have chosen Solana as their blockchain platform, attracted by its robust infrastructure and focus on speed, security, and sustainability. Solana’s compatibility with advanced technologies like GPUs, renewable energy, and AI makes it a fitting choice for DePIN networks looking to scale.
If you’re building or exploring DePIN opportunities on Solana. Helius a related company is a founder-first developer platform dedicated to empowering innovators in the DePIN space, providing them with the tools and resources they need to scale their projects seamlessly.
The Future of Connectivity Is Here
Helium is demonstrating that decentralized, community-driven networks are not just possible — they’re powerful. With DePIN, Helium is reshaping telecom, giving everyone from individuals to major carriers a stake in the future of connectivity. This isn’t just another crypto project; it’s a paradigm shift in how we think about infrastructure, access, and ownership.
So, next time you think of “crypto,” remember Helium. It’s more than a token — it’s a movement to transform how we stay connected in an increasingly interconnected world that includes a network of networks, and subsequently the organization has several tokens, $HNT, $IOT, and $MOBILE.
If you’re as excited about the potential of decentralized networks as we are, don’t miss the next part of our series. We’ll dive deeper into the technology driving Helium and other decentralized wireless networks, exploring how blockchain is powering a new era of accessible, reliable connectivity. Be sure to check it out and stay informed about this transformative shift in telecom.