Be Part of Carrier Offload Beta and Expand the Helium Network

The Helium Network is pioneering decentralization in telecommunications. Now, subscribers from multiple carriers can connect and transfer data through their Helium Mobile Hotspots when Carrier Offload Beta is enabled.

Decentralized Networks and Traditional Carriers

Telecommunications is a massive industry, valued at $1.8 trillion. For over a century, centralized networks have been the norm, with carriers relying on large cell towers that require significant capital investment, land, and maintenance. Meanwhile, investment in this type of infrastructure has been consistently decreasing, even as the demand for mobile data has increased exponentially.

Decentralized networks like the Helium Network distribute data across deployments by individuals rather than relying on a single, centralized source. By leveraging decentralized networks, carriers can reduce their capital expenditures while accommodating the rising data needs of their customers.

The Benefits of Carrier Offload

As a builder, offloading means that the coverage you provide can be leveraged by subscribers from other carriers as well as Helium Mobile subscribers. You can learn about the current beta periods on our Stats page.

As smartphone monthly data usage continues to rise, carriers face increasing pressure to continue providing reliable service. However, with a decreasing investment in 5G infrastructure, carriers are turning to data offloading as a solution. 

By offloading data, carriers can sustain reliable service and extend coverage without needing significant additional capital investment in wireless infrastructure. This approach reduces data costs, improves service quality, and enables carriers to remain competitive with their phone plans.

Beta Success is in Your Hands

This is a critical moment for builders like you. We need YOUR help to make this beta a success. Your participation means ensuring you’ve opted in, and deploying as much coverage as you can to increase the likelihood carriers will continue to offload their subscriber data beyond this initial phase.

While data transfer during this period will be unrewarded, a successful beta means this has the potential to change.

The Impact:

For Builders

Currently, the coverage you’ve created is accessible only to Helium Mobile subscribers. With additional carriers offloading data to the Helium Network, their subscribers will also be able to leverage the coverage you provide. This increases both the quantity and the quality of reward potential for builders:

• Quantity: providing coverage for subscribers from other carriers means higher reward potential from transferring their subscriber data.
• Quality: by transferring more data, carriers can better understand the utility that the Helium Network can provide.

This growth benefits all participants by enhancing the Network's value and reliability.

For the Telecommunications Industry

It’s no secret that telecommunications technology is outdated and due for a revamp. By demonstrating to carriers that decentralization is a viable option, the door is open to redefine the  industry standard for this technology, and the Helium Network is at the forefront of this innovation.

What now?

With the passage of HIP 129, all Helium Mobile Hotspots will be automatically eligible to participate in the carrier offloading beta periods. Inclusion in any carrier's beta is at the discretion of the carrier. You can see whether your Hotspot has been selected by a carrier to participate in a beta in the Helium Mobile Hotspot Dashboard and opt out of any beta in the Hotspot Dashboard or Builder App.

Keep track of how carrier offloading betas are progressing on the Stats page of our website, and continue to build the network with Helium Mobile Hotspots!