Helium Mobile x DAWN Partner in Telco Takeover to Expand Decentralized Internet

In a major step forward for telco, Helium Mobile is partnering with DAWN, a decentralized broadband protocol built by Internet service provider Andrena, to establish the world’s first fully decentralized last-mile Internet solution. By combining the Helium Network with DAWN’s broadband nodes, this partnership advances a new, fully community-owned Internet that prioritizes affordability, accessibility, and equitability.

For decades, mobile, business, and home Internet access has been dominated by a handful of centralized providers, leaving consumers with limited options, high costs, and rigid terms. By giving people the tools to build and benefit from mobile telecommunications infrastructure, Helium and DAWN offer a decentralized alternative that empowers individuals to participate directly. Anyone can contribute to building the Helium Network by setting up a Hotspot in a local business, retail shop, event venue, or other location with high foot traffic. In return, Hotspot owners are rewarded in crypto for providing coverage and connecting nearby phones. The more phone data that Hotspots transfer, the more the Hotspot owner can earn. 

DAWN (Decentralized Autonomous Wireless Network), is a protocol that facilitates decentralized broadband through the use of fixed wireless. Built on Solana, DAWN extends the Helium Network’s reach by allowing it to tap into its decentralized broadband and backhaul services. The company’s bandwidth nodes connect directly to data centers, allowing nearby homes and businesses to access and share the Internet without relying on traditional Internet service providers. This fully decentralized model eliminates the middleman for both mobile and broadband, reduces costs, and enables users to share connectivity with others.

Through this partnership, DAWN’s infrastructure and devices will integrate with the Helium Network, allowing Helium Mobile subscribers – and users of other major carriers – to benefit from expanded connectivity options when near DAWN devices, enhancing their access to reliable and affordable Internet. Additionally, Helium Mobile Hotspot users will now have an additional option for decentralized broadband. By integrating DAWN’s broadband nodes with Helium’s mobile ecosystem, both networks now form a seamless, decentralized alternative to traditional last-mile providers.

"Connectivity is a necessity, not a luxury," said Amir Haleem, CEO of Helium Mobile. “Partnering with DAWN allows us to extend our vision of decentralized telecom by providing consumers and businesses with more affordable and reliable ways to connect. Together, we’re dismantling traditional barriers and creating a telecom model that works for everyone—not just the few."

“DAWN reimagines Internet access by empowering individuals and businesses to take ownership of their connectivity," said Neil Chatterjee, CEO of DAWN and Andrena. "Through our partnership with Helium Mobile, we’re expanding this decentralized model to a broader audience, enabling users to not only generate and share broadband but also benefit from seamless integration with the Helium Network. Together, we’re creating a new Internet that reduces costs, increases choice, and is user-owned."

As part of this partnership, 8,000 nodes in the DAWN ecosystem will be integrated into the Helium Network and will continue to be included in DAWN nodes in 2025.