Helium is a decentralised wireless network that incentivises individuals to deploy physical hotspot devices that provide LoRaWAN (long-range, low-power) and 5G coverage for IoT devices and mobile phones. Launched in 2019, Helium pioneered the concept of ‘Proof of Coverage’ — a consensus mechanism that verifies hotspots are providing genuine wireless coverage through cryptographic challenges between nearby devices. Hotspot operators earn HNT tokens for providing coverage and transferring data. This model created one of the most successful ‘DePIN’ (Decentralised Physical Infrastructure Networks) projects: at peak, over 900,000 hotspots were deployed globally by individual operators, covering hundreds of cities. In 2023, Helium migrated from its own Layer 1 to Solana, improving scalability and reducing infrastructure costs. The network expanded from LoRaWAN to 5G CBRS coverage (mobile data), with Helium Mobile offering a $20/month unlimited plan using a mix of Helium 5G hotspots and T-Mobile coverage. HNT is the top-level token; MOBILE (for 5G) and IOT (for LoRaWAN) are sub-tokens. The Helium model demonstrated that crypto incentives could bootstrap real-world physical infrastructure at scale — a template copied by dozens of DePIN projects.
Example: A warehouse manager in Chicago deploys a $500 Helium hotspot on the roof. Their device provides LoRaWAN coverage for IoT sensors in a 5-mile radius. Each month, they earn 200-500 HNT for coverage and data transfer. Over a year, at $5/HNT, that’s $1,000-2,500 — the hotspot pays for itself while providing infrastructure for smart city sensors and asset trackers.
Learn more: Helium Network
