Helium – a decentralized wireless network operating on the Solana blockchain – has just announced a significant advancement by officially partnering with telecommunications giant AT&T. This move not only brings real value to millions of users but also clearly demonstrates the potential practical application of blockchain technology in the traditional telecommunications sector.
Helium: A network built by the community
#Helium is a decentralized wireless network where individuals and businesses can deploy broadcasting devices (hotspots) to provide connectivity for nearby mobile devices. Operators of these hotspots will be rewarded with Helium’s native tokens on the Solana platform – as a reward for contributing resources to the network.
Currently, Helium has over 93,000 hotspots worldwide and serves about 700,000 users daily, according to recent data. With collaboration alongside AT&T – the carrier with over 118 million mobile subscribers in the US – the Helium network is about to welcome a massive wave of users.
Benefits for both sides
For AT&T, this collaboration helps expand coverage, particularly in rural or underserved areas, where deploying traditional infrastructure is costly and slow. Instead of building new fixed base stations, AT&T can leverage the community Helium's hotspot network to fill connectivity gaps.
On the AT&T user side, they will be seamlessly connected to Helium hotspots while moving, thanks to the integration between the two parties. Meanwhile, Helium hotspot operators will earn additional rewards due to increased traffic from AT&T subscribers.
According to Mr. Amir Haleem – CEO of Nova Labs (the parent company of Helium):
“Working with AT&T is a significant step in our mission: to provide affordable and accessible connectivity for the masses.”
Long-term strategic partnership
A Helium representative stated that the partnership with AT&T is not just a short-term trial campaign. Instead, this is a long-term strategy aimed at expanding collaboration with carriers across the United States and around the world. AT&T is currently considered a high-level strategic partner of Helium.
Previously, Helium had a successful partnership with Telefónica – a major telecommunications group in Spain and Latin America. Specifically, Helium deployed hotspots in Mexico City and Oaxaca, helping to expand coverage for Telefónica's Movistar service. As of February, Helium has supported over 2.3 million Movistar subscribers in Mexico.
Helium Mobile – the first decentralized mobile service model?
Not stopping at providing infrastructure, Helium is also developing its own mobile service called Helium Mobile, combining decentralized networks with support from traditional partners like T-Mobile – the second-largest carrier in the US.
Recently, Helium Mobile launched the “Zero Plan”, a free mobile service package that comes with 3GB of data, 300 messages, and 100 calling minutes each month. This service shows the potential to change the entire traditional telecommunications business model, with much lower costs for users by leveraging a decentralized network.
Overcoming legal barriers
Another piece of good news for the Helium community is that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially dismissed allegations that Helium's tokens are securities. This helps eliminate the greatest legal risk that once threatened the existence of the token reward model for network activity.
Implications for the crypto market and Binance users
The collaboration between Helium and AT&T is a clear example showing that crypto projects can deeply integrate with the real world, not just stop at speculating on digital assets. By operating on the Solana platform – a rapidly developing blockchain in the infrastructure sector – Helium demonstrates that decentralized technology can become the foundation for large-scale telecommunications services.
For Binance users, this opens up many potential investment directions into crypto projects with clear real-world applications and expanding partnerships with “giants” in the traditional world. Moreover, the SEC's withdrawal from the lawsuit also indicates positive signals about the legal environment gradually stabilizing for Web3 projects.
Conclusion
Helium is not just a “hotspot network earning tokens”, but is gradually becoming a global connectivity ecosystem with leading telecommunications partners. The combination of blockchain and telecommunications is opening up a new model: connecting everyone, decentralized, transparent, and cost-effective.
The question raised: Is this the first step in changing the entire global telecommunications industry through the power of crypto?
⚠️ Risk warning
The cryptocurrency market always carries high risks, including strong price volatility, policy changes, and unclear legal factors. This article aims to provide information and should not be considered investment advice. Please consider carefully and only invest when you thoroughly understand the associated risks.