AT&T Partners with Helium to Enhance Wi-Fi Coverage in the U.S.
Telecommunications behemoth AT&T has forged a strategic alliance with the decentralized wireless network provider Helium, aimed at expanding Wi-Fi connectivity for its users throughout the United States. This partnership allows AT&T customers to leverage Helium’s community-driven network of Wi-Fi hotspots, thereby enhancing both the coverage and reliability of their service.
Helium’s Community-Driven Network and Rewards
Helium operates as a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN), which relies on individual and business operators who set up small wireless devices called Hotspots. These Hotspots not only extend the network’s reach but also earn operators Helium’s native token, HNT, as compensation. Currently, the Helium Network boasts over 93,000 active Hotspots, primarily located in the U.S., providing an innovative alternative to conventional network infrastructures.
Seamless Connectivity through Passpoint Integration
AT&T users can effortlessly connect to Helium’s network using Passpoint technology, which provides a secure and automated Wi-Fi authentication process. This integration allows for smooth transitions between traditional cellular networks and Helium’s decentralized Wi-Fi, resulting in a more cohesive user experience. The agreement is structured between AT&T and Nova Labs, the organization behind the Helium Network. While AT&T won’t directly pay Hotspot operators, they will continue to earn HNT based on their contributions to network coverage and data usage.
Expanding Network Adoption and Industry Collaborations
Helium’s network currently supports more than 800,000 daily users and has been adopted by other telecommunications companies, including Telefónica’s Movistar in Mexico. This growing interest from the industry underscores the operational advantages of integrating decentralized infrastructure with traditional mobile networks. In February 2024, Helium Mobile introduced the Zero Plan, a complimentary phone plan offering unlimited text, calls, and data across the U.S., marking a significant milestone in proving the viability of decentralized networks in mainstream telecommunications. With AT&T joining the initiative, Helium’s infrastructure is positioned to play an increasingly crucial role in improving mobile connectivity nationwide.
Regulatory Clearance and Technological Evolution
In April 2025, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) wrapped up its inquiry into Helium’s token offerings, concluding that the HNT, MOBILE, and IoT tokens do not qualify as unregistered securities. This ruling alleviates a major regulatory hurdle and supports the ongoing growth of the Helium ecosystem. Initially, Helium launched on its proprietary blockchain but transitioned to Solana in 2022 to take advantage of its scalability and efficiency. Since its inception in 2013, Helium has attracted considerable funding, including a $111 million token sale led by Andreessen Horowitz and a $200 million Series D funding round. The integration of Helium’s decentralized infrastructure into AT&T’s wireless services marks a new era in the convergence of wireless technology. By merging community-focused technology with traditional telecom services, AT&T aims to bolster connectivity and enhance service coverage for its subscribers, while also solidifying Helium’s role in revolutionizing mobile networks with decentralized, cost-effective solutions that complement existing systems.
