The Helium Network is a decentralized wireless system designed for both Internet of Things (IoT) devices and mobile phone coverage, where individuals host nodes and earn the Helium Network Token (HNT) cryptocurrency for their participation. Founded as Helium, Inc. in 2013 by Amir Haleem, the company, now Nova Labs, pivoted in 2017 to incentivize community-owned hotspots with crypto rewards after initial funding struggles.
The network expanded significantly, partnering with Dish Network in 2021 and integrating 5G technology in 2022, though it later shifted its focus to Wi-Fi hotspots for mobile services in 2024. A major development in 2023 saw the network migrate its proprietary blockchain to Solana, aiming for improved scalability and efficiency, while also simplifying its tokenomics back to HNT as the primary reward.
Despite past allegations of falsely claiming partnerships in 2022 and facing a recent SEC complaint in January 2025 regarding its tokens, Nova Labs continues to develop the network and offers cellular services under the Helium Mobile brand, utilizing both T-Mobile infrastructure and its own hotspots.