What is Helium Mining?
Helium mining is a mechanism to power the Helium network to provide global wireless technology for Internet of Things devices.
Helium involves running hotspots to provide coverage for Internet of Things (IoT) devices over the Helium network. Miners need to run specialized hardware devices to create wireless connections.
Hotspots build a decentralized infrastructure of low-power, long-distance wireless networks known as “people’s networks.” An innovative use of blockchain technology to encourage the creation and maintenance of a global wireless network through mining Helium (HNT) token rewards.
Decentralization of wireless infrastructure reduces dependence on traditional telecom providers and lowers IoT connectivity costs. The Helium project demonstrates the true versatility of blockchain technology and extends its application beyond financial transactions to real-world infrastructure. This is a potential revolution in wireless technology that represents a future paradigm shift in distributed infrastructure.
The world’s largest continuous wireless network provides users with greater range, allowing devices to communicate 200 times further than WiFi.
Did you know? The Helium network began development in 2013 by Helium Inc. This was a network of low-coverage hotspots installed in concentrated areas, paid for by building owners in fiat currency. In 2017, it shifted its strategy to offering cryptocurrency payments to individuals to run nodes in their homes and offices. Helium Inc later rebranded as Nova Labs in 2022 and received $200 million in investment funding.
How Helium Mining Works
Helium mining uses a Proof of Coverage (PoC) consensus mechanism to validate hotspots, verify payments, and secure the blockchain network.
The core mechanism of Helium mining is a device that combines a wireless gateway and a blockchain node. This hardware performed two main functions: verifying transactions on the Helium blockchain and providing wireless network coverage.
Helium maintains its protocol on the blockchain using a unique consensus mechanism called Proof-of-Coverage (PoC). This mechanism verifies whether hotspots provide legitimate wireless coverage and rewards them with HNT tokens for that service. To become a valid participant in the network, helium miners must take random quizzes and communicate with other nodes to check and confirm their answers in relation to their network location.
For example, hotspots in large cities can provide network coverage for smart meters or environmental sensors. In return, you earn HNT based on data transmitted through the hotspot.
Helium mining hardware, called hotspots, is the backbone of the network. Existing 4G and 5G connections require highly intrusive cell towers, something many communities often do not want. In contrast, Helium hotspots are compact and distributed, allowing anyone to operate or connect to the network.
These hotspots run using LoRaWAN (low-power wide area networking protocol), built on a leading wireless invention called LongFi.
Did you know? Helium’s network supports a wide range of applications, from smart agriculture to environmental monitoring, asset tracking, and smart buildings. It shows broad potential to become one of the world’s first Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) blockchains.
Benefits of Helium Mining
Financial incentives and low barriers to entry encourage scalable and widespread participation in the network, accelerating the growth of IoT global connectivity.
- dispersion: Helium mining eliminates the need for a centralized communications infrastructure. This helps reduce data costs and improve accessibility. This democratizes network access, making it easier and more affordable for small and medium-sized businesses to implement IoT solutions. This, in turn, builds market competition and learns how to provide better services and lower user costs.
- Low power usage: Hotspots have very low power consumption levels, making them cost-effective and environmentally friendly. This encourages more individuals and organizations to join the network. The more hotspot providers you have, the more powerful your network will be and the greater your reach. Additionally, the environmental benefits make Helium an attractive choice for environmentally conscious operators and users.
- Scalability: Easily expands your network as more hotspots are added. This means that your network can grow organically without having to make large investments in infrastructure. The Helium network is flexible and quickly adapts to surges in demand for new areas or use cases. Additionally, you can scale coverage as the number of IoT connected devices increases without compromising performance.
- stimulation: Hotspots earn HNT as a financial incentive to become a valid wireless service provider. It is a powerful driver of network growth and adoption as it encourages more people to run hotspots. This creates a self-sustaining network ecosystem where revenue potential is generated as users’ demand for data grows. The economic model means there is strong support to grow the network and balance rewards with helium mining rig ROI.
Did you know? DePIN provides an exciting bridge between the physical and digital blockchain worlds. This allows data and tangible assets such as bandwidth, GPUs, or real estate to be tokenized in a decentralized way.
Current Profitability of Helium Mining
Under the right circumstances, Helium network mining income can be profitable. This is especially true when there are hundreds of IoT devices and the competition from other hotspots is low.
Is helium mining profitable? As with all cryptocurrency mining operations, it comes down to investment and profit. To calculate the helium mining return on investment (ROI), you must consider the helium mining setup and costs, including hardware and electrical requirements. Then subtract this from your expected reward. You can use Helium Explorer to find information about HNT prices, rewards, and network demand.
There is no exact formula to calculate how much HNT you can earn in a specific period of time. That said, there are a few key concepts you need to understand to improve your profitability.
So how much can you make from helium mining? Well, the daily rewards for hotspots are known to vary greatly, ranging from $0 to $300 per day. You can use our helium mining calculator to get a rough estimate of your profits.
The most profitable hotspots can provide data to hundreds of devices per day. This requires areas of high population density (or devices) where there is not much competition from other miners. This could be a location such as a large stadium, business center, or university campus.
Additionally, elevated areas such as rooftops offer the ability to provide wide, uninterrupted coverage in that area. In contrast, low-density areas where hotspots simply run from ground-floor windows are unlikely to be profitable mining operations.
Factors Affecting Helium Mining Profitability
Helium mining in 2024 may still be profitable in some regions and with 5G upgrades, but this will be greatly influenced by miner location, HNT price, and equipment costs.
As the network matures, potential miners should evaluate the factors below and make an informed decision considering both initial costs and ongoing network demands.
- Network saturation and device location: Urban areas are often more saturated, leading to lower rewards, while rural areas may be more profitable due to less competition.
- 5G transition: Switching to 5G mining requires specialized and expensive equipment, but opens up new revenue opportunities outside of IoT.
- HNT price volatility: Mining profitability is tied to the market value of HNT. Higher prices increase rewards (in dollar terms), and lower prices potentially impact profits.
- Energy and equipment costs: Helium hotspots are energy efficient, but 5G devices may have higher initial costs and require more maintenance, especially for new entrants.
- Demand for Helium Network Coverage: As IoT and 5G usage expands, network coverage demand will increase, potentially improving miner rewards and overall profitability.
Future outlook for helium mining
The revenue-generating potential of helium mining and network development will determine the long-term viability of helium mining.
The market price of HNT plays an important role in the growth of HNT. More IoT devices relying on the network will help drive positive HNT prices and payouts to miners.
However, low usage and falling market prices may make it difficult for many helium miners to produce more helium. And powerful helium mining rewards allow the network to thrive.
Is helium mining worth it? Network usage shows steady growth until 2024. This, combined with HNT’s market cap increasing by over $1 billion, will help boost the token’s price from $2 to over $6 as of November 2024.
These two factors paint a positive picture for long-term helium mining profitability. Of course, since the cryptocurrency market is highly volatile, the current profits from Helium mining can change quickly to impact network growth and Helium mining profits.