Helium Mobile: Progress Toward Building the Future of Mobile Networks

In early June, we published our roadmap, highlighting how we’re moving ahead with our mission to build the future of mobile networks. We're excited to share the progress we've made in only one month. 

TL;DR:

• Helium Mobile Licensing Program: Facilitates third parties producing Helium-compatible Hotspots, expanding coverage and creating new opportunities on the Helium Network
• Launch of MNTD’s First Mobile Hotspot: The MNTD Fi Pro, developed by RAKwireless, offers another option for builders to provide Helium Network coverage
• OpenRoaming Compatibility: Helium Mobile Hotspots now support seamless, secure connectivity for subscribers of other carriers and service providers
• Expanding Network Usage By Other Carriers: Pilot programs with major US telcos are in progress to transfer data on the Helium Network

Helium Mobile Licensing Program

Launching the Helium Mobile Licensing Program provides third-party device manufacturers with an expedited path to integrate advanced, decentralized connectivity solutions. In a deeply competitive environment, this enables them to focus on their core competencies without the distraction of navigating the Web3 tech environment, as well as to more easily incorporate robust, OpenRoaming compatible security features including TrustZone, Secure Boot, and Full Disk Encryption.

The licensing program not only supports the growth of the Helium Network, but also provides businesses with the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the Helium ecosystem. 

Discover more about our licensing opportunities here.

Launch of MNTD’s First Mobile Hotspot

The first partner in our technology stack licensing model was RAKwireless. The licensing program enabled them to produce MNTD Fi Pro Hotspots and bring additional hotspots to market faster. This partnership demonstrates the potential of our licensing program to facilitate third parties’ efforts to enhance network coverage. 

This collaboration marks a significant step forward in expanding Helium Network coverage and provides flexibility for future builders.

For more details on the MNTD Fi Pro, visit the MNTD website.

OpenRoaming Compatibility

Becoming OpenRoaming compatible opens up more data transfer possibilities for Hotspot owners, not only for Helium Mobile subscribers, but potentially for subscribers of any service provider or carrier that is also OpenRoaming compatible. 

OpenRoaming, a framework developed by the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA), ensures subscriber phones can connect securely, and seamlessly to the Helium Network without needing to enter passwords. 

This means that service providers like Telefónica can reduce infrastructure costs while seamlessly offloading mobile traffic onto the Helium Network, ensuring subscribers have  secure, consistent, and reliable connectivity.

Expanding Network Usage By Other Carriers

We’re excited to share that we’re continuing to find ways to collaborate with other service providers and carriers to transfer their subscriber data over Helium Mobile Hotspots.

Building on our experience working with Telefónica, collaborating with other service providers showcases the potential of the Helium Network and emphasizes the significant impact individuals can make by working as a community to deliver needed coverage.

We’re currently beta testing with prominent US carriers, starting with specific locations they've selected to transfer mobile data from their subscribers over Hotspots. To see the results of these beta tests check out the Carrier Offloading stats here.

Looking Ahead

We’re excited to continue to push the boundaries of what's possible to define the future of mobile networking. To learn more on how to get started and become part of the Helium Builder community, visit here.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us!