A common criticism of blockchain technology is that it has no utility. This is simply wrong.
Running on Solana, Helium Network offers a decentralized, community-driven alternative to traditional wireless providers, turning WiFi and hotspot owners into network operators. In doing so, Helium not only reimagines internet access but also adds to Solana’s growing list of real-world use cases.
What is Helium and how does it work?
Helium is a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) built to make internet connectivity more affordable, secure, and scalable. Simply put, a DePIN utilizes blockchains like Solana to create and manage real-world networks, such as internet coverage, without relying on a single company.
Originally, Helium ran on its own blockchain, but in 2023 it migrated to Solana to take advantage of faster transactions, lower costs, and a vibrant crypto ecosystem. This shift allowed Helium to scale quickly, becoming the world’s largest decentralized Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN). LoRaWAN is optimized for devices that transmit small amounts of data over long distances using minimal power, making it ideal for sensors, smart gadgets, and other low-energy applications.
Helium lets individuals and businesses set up Hotspots - small devices that act like mini cell towers - providing wireless coverage for sensors, smart meters, or even phones (via Helium Mobile).
Unlike traditional telecom networks, Helium is community-driven: anyone can add a hotspot, helping the network grow. Hotspots earn rewards through Proof-of-Coverage, which verifies they are delivering real service. Hotspot owners are paid in Helium tokens (HNT), creating incentives to expand and strengthen the network.
How does Helium’s success translate on Solana’s network?
Helium Mobile has seen rapid adoption - with subscribers climbing from around 115,000 in September 2024 to nearly 450,000 by September 2025 - a year-over-year increase of nearly 300%. This surge underscores Helium’s breakout year and shows why Solana’s high throughput, low latency, and low cost make it the perfect blockchain for powering DePIN applications like Helium.
One standout milestone was Helium’s 2025 partnership with AT&T, which enabled seamless Wi-Fi access across more than 62,000 US hotspots. AT&T customers now automatically connect to Helium’s decentralized network, creating smoother handoffs between Wi-Fi and cellular and delivering a stronger, more consistent user experience. The fact that a legacy telecom giant like AT&T is leveraging Helium underscores Solana’s role as the backbone of real-world decentralized infrastructure - Solana’s high throughput, low latency, and low cost make these integrations possible at scale.
With more than 450,000 subscribers actively battle-testing Solana and contributing $1.5 million in fees in September alone - or roughly $18 million annualized - Helium is both a driver and diversifier of user activity on Solana. Given revenue has already doubled month-over-month alongside exponential user growth, Helium is boosting onchain activity and strengthening Solana’s ecosystem as a scalable, high-impact decentralized application.
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