Overview
Helium is a network that helps people create wireless networks. It works through a device called a Helium Hotspot, which can be deployed by individuals and organizations. Helium focuses on wireless infrastructure and is built on Solana. Helium is a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) on Solana focused on wireless infrastructure. Helium allows individuals and entities to physically deploy Helium Hotspots to power decentralized wireless networks for its users.
History
In 2013, Helium was co-founded by Amir Haleem, Shawn Fanning, and Sean Carey with the aim of creating a decentralized wireless infrastructure that could support the rapidly growing IoT industry. In July 2019, Helium launched its Internet of Things (IoT) hotspots along with the Helium Network Token (HNT) on its own Helium Blockchain. This allowed the ecosystem to bootstrap growth with HNT token incentives. In August 2020, Helium introduced the Data Credit Token to facilitate protocol payments. Since then, Helium has expanded its IoT coverage to various countries across the globe.
Subnetwork Creation
In January of 2022, Helium approved three Helium Improvement Proposals (HIPs) numbered 51, 52, and 53. This expansion of Helium’s original IoT Network vision aims to transform it into a “Network of Networks” by adding a Mobile Network that provides 5G connectivity. Furthermore, Helium’s governance is now divided into three decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs): Helium DAO, IOT subDAO, and MOBILE subDAO. In addition, Helium’s ecosystem now includes two new tokens: the IOT Network Token and the MOBILE Network Token.
Solana Migration
Helium Blockchain fully migrated to Solana in September 2022 via HIP-70 approval. The decision was made to utilize Solana’s smart contract capabilities, faster transaction speeds, cheaper transactions, and decentralized finance (DeFi) access. Despite the delay, the migration eventually occurred during a 48-hour window on April 18, 2023, marking a “New Era” for Helium.
Helium Mobile Rollout
Helium Mobile’s beta version was launched in May 2023, featuring an unlimited phone plan for $25 per month with talk, text, and data services. Two months later, Discovery Mapping was introduced, allowing Mobile Network users to earn MOBILE token rewards by sharing their location data as “Discovery Mappers” through their connected smartphones. Boosted Locations was finally launched in October 2023, providing boosted rewards for hotspots that covered geographical areas across Florida lacking hotspot coverage.
Geographic Expansion
Helium has launched a simple and affordable phone plan that costs $20 per month. The plan offers limited talk, text, and data across the United States without a contract. In January 2024, Helium partnered with Telefónica to introduce Mobile Hotspots in Mexico, which will power Telefónica’s wireless infrastructure. This is the first step towards offering Helium Mobile in Mexico. In March 2024, Helium Mobile launched an International Roaming plan that costs $15 per month. This plan allows customers to use a limited amount of talk, text, and data for 30 days when traveling outside of the United States. Overall, Helium aims to offer a simple and affordable mobile service to its customers, both at home and abroad.
