TL;DR
- Helium signed an agreement with AT&T to connect its decentralized network of hotspots to the operator’s mobile infrastructure in the U.S.
- The network provides mobile and Wi-Fi coverage using hotspots installed by individuals and businesses in thousands of locations.
- AT&T will add this community network to its wireless strategy, expanding coverage in complex areas and optimizing operations with real-time metrics.
Helium just closed a partnership with AT&T to integrate its decentralized connectivity network in the United States.
The company, built on Solana, uses hotspots installed by individuals and businesses to provide mobile and Wi-Fi coverage through a distributed physical infrastructure. This agreement allows AT&T users to connect to the Helium network at thousands of locations, extending the reach of its service across the country.
AT&T, which has more than 117 million mobile subscribers, will incorporate Helium’s community network as part of its wireless convergence strategy. The collaboration not only increases coverage in areas where traditional infrastructure is costly or unprofitable, but also integrates real-time coverage quality metrics. These tools allow the operator to monitor network performance, improve resource management, and make more accurate decisions regarding future expansions.
Since its launch, Helium has deployed more than 62,000 hotspots in the United States and Mexico, with over 800,000 daily users connected to its network. In early 2025, the company also launched the Zero Plan, the country’s first free mobile phone plan, and recently signed an agreement with Telefónica to expand its network in Mexico, surpassing two million users.
How Does Helium Work?
The ecosystem relies on cryptocurrency incentives for those who install and maintain the hotspots, reducing operating costs compared to centralized models and enabling greater flexibility in coverage. Additionally, its Helium World platform is evolving into a connectivity management hub, where operators can monitor network performance, plan new locations, and automate decisions with tools like Carrier Dashboard and Offload Manager.
With this alliance, AT&T becomes the first major U.S. carrier to integrate a decentralized infrastructure within its commercial network. The initiative allows Wi-Fi connections to be authenticated via Passpoint and improves the user experience in areas where traditional networks face operational or economic challenges.
