- Helium is partnering with two U.S. carriers.
- Initial tests have yielded positive results.
- This move could decentralize network infrastructure.
Large mobile network operators that control the infrastructure have long dominated the telecom industry. However, the shift to decentralization is accelerating thanks to new technologies such as the Helium decentralized infrastructure protocol running on the Solana network.
Recently, Helium has partnered with two major U.S. carriers to test offloading mobile traffic to the Helium network, a move that, when fully implemented, will shift the network infrastructure to a more distributed model.
Major US Telecoms to Leverage Helium’s Distributed Infrastructure
The new partnership opens the door to transitioning physical network infrastructure to a more decentralized model. On Friday, August 9, Helium publicly announced that it had begun beta testing with two major U.S. carriers. The tests have been positive and are an important step in Helium’s mission to decentralize network infrastructure.
The first test began on June 18, 2024 on Carrier 1. Since then, Carrier 1 has connected 185,378 subscribers to the Helium Network, utilizing 23 mobile hotspot networks, according to Helium. During the beta period, these subscribers transferred a total of 2,675 GB of data. This data transfer encompasses a variety of mobile activities, including messaging, streaming, and other Internet usage.
One week later, on June 25, 2024, Carrier 2 joined the beta program. Helium reported that Carrier 2 had 122,482 subscribers connected to the decentralized network, with a total data transfer volume of 1,686 GB. Unlike Carrier 1, Carrier 2 has access to a larger infrastructure supported by 63 hotspots, allowing it to offload larger amounts of data.
How Helium Networks Helps Telecoms
Helium’s distributed network allows mobile operators to offload data traffic to a distributed array of hotspots. This approach reduces reliance on traditional cell towers and centralized network management. In this way, Helium reduces operational costs, expands coverage, especially in underserved areas, and increases network resiliency.
The move marks a step back from Helium’s initial focus on the Internet of Things (IoT) network, which was powered by thousands of individual hotspots and attracted attention for its promise of passive income. But disappointment followed as most users failed to see a return on their investment.
However, after Helium migrated to Solana, the company focused on overall networking. The migration to Solana allowed Helium to handle more complex tasks and accommodate more users. This performance is critical for applications such as supporting major carrier networks.
On the other side
- While beta tests have shown positive results, questions remain as to whether Helium’s decentralized network can handle the scale that major telecom carriers require.
- The success of the helium model could disrupt the traditional telecommunications market, which could lead to resistance from incumbents.
Why this matters
Helium’s partnership with two major U.S. carriers is key to transitioning telecommunications infrastructure to a more decentralized model, and demonstrates the capabilities of the Helium protocol and Solana that power it.
Learn more about Helium leveraging Solana’s infrastructure.
Helium Completes Solana Migration: A New Era for Decentralized Networks?
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