Glossary
Helium
A DePIN that rewards hotspot operators for providing decentralized wireless coverage — originally LoRaWAN for IoT, now 5G mobile data via the Helium Mobile network.
Helium, launched in 2019, was the original DePIN at scale. Users deploy hotspots (originally LoRaWAN for IoT, later 5G CBRS for mobile data) and earn HNT tokens for providing coverage that the network's proof-of-coverage protocol can verify.
In 2023 the protocol migrated to Solana for cost reasons and launched Helium Mobile, a consumer cellular service using both hotspot coverage and a traditional carrier wholesale agreement. Whether the model produces durable demand beyond the token subsidy is still the central question.