Helium is the largest decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) in crypto, operating a global network of wireless hotspots that provide IoT connectivity and mobile data coverage. After migrating from its own blockchain to Solana in 2023, Helium operates as a Solana-based protocol with two sub-networks: Helium IoT and Helium Mobile.
Helium IoT: The Original Network
Helium IoT (originally just "Helium") is a LoRaWAN wireless network for IoT devices — sensors, trackers, and low-data connected devices that need long-range, low-power connectivity.
How it works:
- Hotspot operators set up physical Helium gateways (purpose-built hardware or compatible LoRaWAN devices)
- Hotspots provide wireless coverage in their area
- IoT devices connect to the network and pay in DC (Data Credits) for data transfer
- Hotspot operators earn HNT (Helium's native token) for providing coverage and transferring data
Proof of Coverage: Helium uses a novel consensus mechanism called Proof of Coverage (PoC) to verify that hotspots are actually providing wireless coverage where they claim. Hotspots challenge nearby hotspots; witnesses verify coverage. Only verified hotspots earn rewards.
Helium Mobile: 5G Coverage Mining
Helium Mobile launched a 5G sub-network where individuals can deploy small cell 5G radios to earn MOBILE tokens (the sub-network token for the mobile network).
Small cell deployments: 5G radios from Baicells or FreedomFi deploy in homes, offices, and storefronts. They provide actual T-Mobile (Helium's MVNO partner) 5G coverage to subscribers.
Discovery Mapping: Helium Mobile subscribers earn MOBILE tokens by submitting "discovery mapping" reports — data about where their phone has 5G coverage from Helium radios.
Consumer offering: Helium Mobile offers $20/month unlimited plans using a combination of Helium's network and T-Mobile roaming. Subscribers earn MOBILE tokens for mapping coverage.
HNT, IOT, and MOBILE Tokens
HNT: The root token of the Helium ecosystem. All sub-network tokens (IOT, MOBILE) can be burned to mint HNT. HNT has a fixed maximum supply with halving events.
IOT: The IoT sub-network reward token. Earned by Helium IoT hotspot operators. Burned for HNT on demand.
MOBILE: The Mobile sub-network reward token. Earned by 5G small cell operators and discovery mappers. Burned for HNT on demand.
This hierarchical token structure keeps HNT as the scarce root asset while giving each sub-network its own incentive token.
Mining HNT: Getting Started
Helium IoT hotspot:
- Purchase a Helium-compatible hotspot (Bobcat, RAK, SenseCAP)
- Set up at a good location (high ground, outdoor antenna for best coverage)
- Connect to internet and register on the Helium network
- Earn IOT tokens for coverage and data transfer
Helium Mobile 5G:
- Purchase a Helium Mobile small cell radio
- Apply for deployment approval (location vetting required)
- Install with professional antenna mounting
- Earn MOBILE tokens for coverage provided
Expected earnings vary dramatically by location — dense urban areas with competition earn less per hotspot; suburban coverage gaps earn more.
The Solana Migration
Helium migrated from its own L1 blockchain to Solana in April 2023. The migration:
- Reduced Helium's infrastructure overhead (no longer running a standalone blockchain)
- Gave HNT, IOT, and MOBILE access to Solana DeFi (tradeable on Jupiter, usable as collateral)
- Enabled faster transactions for hotspot reward claims
The migration was technically complex and faced initial skepticism, but has largely been considered successful.