Helium Mobile, a crypto-incentivized provider of cellular networks, is now bringing Helium coverage to more than 2.3 millions Mexicans through a partnership between Movistar and the second largest service in Mexico.
Movistar’s subscribers will receive tokens for using Helium when possible. Helium operators who provide hotspots will also be compensated. Helium Mobile has a broader strategy for development, which is to grow their network by working with established telecommunications providers.
Helium Mobile offers hotspot devices, which can be plugged in and act as mini-cell towers. It also has cellular plans that are based on a patchwork mix of T-Mobile’s coverage combined with its own hotspots in the US. Helium’s Solana-based HNT token is used to monetise the network. Helium Mobile is not only building a network to replace legacy networks but also looking to partner up with them.
The company piloted an activation with Movistar, which is a subsidiary of the Spanish telecom giant Telefónica, in January 2024. This limited deployment took place in Mexico City, Oaxaca. Helium’s hotspots are now up to more than 300 in Mexico, a little over one year after the initial launch. Helium Mobile will work with Movistar to create a hybrid network that will allow subscribers to switch networks depending on the availability.
Helium Mobile general manager of network Mario Di Dio said partnerships like this one are advantageous for mobile virtual network operators — cell providers that do not operate their own cell towers, but functionally rent cell service from other operators — since Helium’s hotspots can provide service more cheaply. Movistar has contested being labeled an MVNO, but it does pay AT&T for mobile traffic in Mexico.
Helium Mobile is offering a US version, in partnership with two of three major US mobile network operators. Helium Mobile is able to provide connectivity for cellular dead-zones that are often found in places like indoors.
Helium Mobile is confident that it can enjoy both the cake and the ice cream by expanding its own network, while also striking offloading agreements with other telcos. Helium Hotspots are encouraged to be installed by carriers through offloading programs, such as the Mexico program. More hotspots improve the Helium network. Helium is paying T-Mobile to provide data coverage when its network cannot.
As part of this partnership, Helium Mobile will also begin selling its decentralized physical infrastructure machines in Movistar’s retail stores.
“We will literally have a traditional telco company like Movistar selling DePIN miners on the shelves [in] retail stores, which to me is kind of a mind blowing achievement,” Di Dio said.
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