Solana-based decentralized wireless network Helium is collaborating with AT&T to provide the telecom giant’s subscribers with access to mobile hotspots. The collaboration will allow AT&T members to take advantage of expanded network coverage thanks to Helium’s community-operated network. Additionally, AT&T will be provided a set of “coverage quality metrics” developed by the decentralized network.
“Working with AT&T is a massive step forward in our mission to bring affordable and accessible connectivity to the masses,” said Helium co-founder and Nova Labs CEO Amir Haleem, in a statement. “Teaming up with such a global leader in the industry allows us to rapidly accelerate the adoption of Helium and provide real-world value to both AT&T and their subscribers.”
Helium’s “people-powered network” is operated by individuals and businesses that deploy hotspots, which then earn users rewards via Helium’s Solana-based token for participating in the network and providing coverage to nearby devices. Those hotspots are now poised to receive a major batch of potential new users from AT&T, which boasted more than 118 million mobile subscribers as of December 31, according to its 2024 annual report.
“Existing Helium hotspot owners, those who deploy and maintain infrastructure on the Helium Network, will benefit from an influx of new users: AT&T subscribers,” Mario Di Dio, GM of network for Helium, told Decrypt. “As these mobile users connect to nearby hotspots, traffic increases, and hotspot owners earn rewards for the data they transfer.”
Hotspots on the wireless network act as “mini cell towers,” recently helping nearly 700,000 daily users take advantage of coverage via the Helium network, according to weekly data from world.helium.com. At the time of writing, the network claims more than 93,000 hotspots worldwide. Now, AT&T will utilize them to extend its network coverage and fill gaps in underserved or rural areas.
AT&T is dedicated to continuously enhancing network efficiency and expanding connectivity options for our customers,” said Timothy Tweedle, AT&T Mobility principal interconnection agreements manager, in a statement. “Helium Network offers more Wi-Fi locations for AT&T users to seamlessly connect when they are on the go.”
The collaboration between Helium and AT&T is “structured to be an ongoing effort,” Di Dio told Decrypt. “Our broad goal is to continue expanding our partnerships with carriers in the U.S. and globally, and AT&T is considered a long-term strategic collaborator in that effort.” Helium Mobile, a wireless cellular service built on the Helium network, previously collaborated with telecom company Telefónica, deploying mobile hotspots in Mexico City and Oaxaca to allow the telecom giant to extend its coverage in Mexico. This February the pair took it a step further, providing Helium network access to more than 2.3 million Movistar subscribers in Mexico, Telefónica’s flagship mobile carrier.
That same month, Helium Mobile launched its “Zero Plan”—a mobile service that comes with 3GB of data, 300 texts, and 100 minutes of talk time per month with zero charge. Helium Mobile is partially powered by telecom giant T-Mobile, which provides supporting 5G nationwide service for areas that aren’t covered by Helium’s decentralized network. Helium Mobile parent company Nova Labs announced this month that the SEC has dismissed its case against Helium, establishing that its token and crypto-incentivized hotspots are not securities.
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