Helium Network Decentralization Slashes Telecom Costs 30%

Decentralizing telecommunication networks can bring significant financial benefits to both small businesses and telecom corporations, according to Frank Mong, the chief operating officer of Nova Labs, the team behind the Helium wireless decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN) network. Mong highlighted that small businesses, including bars, restaurants, and convenience stores, can generate revenue by hosting wireless hotspots and expanding network coverage. This decentralized approach allows these businesses to tap into the Helium Network's telemetry, reducing operational costs and enhancing network coverage in areas previously considered dead zones.

Large telecommunication companies can also benefit from this decentralized model. By leveraging the Helium Network, these companies can reduce their operational costs and expand their network coverage more efficiently. Mong explained that setting up a single telecom tower costs approximately $300,000, and multiple towers are needed for effective 5G coverage. Instead of this costly approach, decentralized networks allow individuals with useful Wi-Fi networks to share their connectivity, enabling large companies to access the telemetry of these networks securely. This not only makes phone plans more affordable but also enhances network resilience against outages, disruptions, and critical failures.

Helium's collaborative partnerships with major telecom companies further illustrate the practical benefits of decentralization. In January 2024, Nova Labs partnered with a Latin American telecommunication company to expand coverage in dead zones and reduce network congestion. More recently, in April 2025, Helium collaborated with a global telecommunication giant to provide automatic access to the Helium Network for users within its coverage area. These partnerships demonstrate the potential for decentralized networks to improve telecom services on a global scale, with the United States currently having the highest concentration of Helium's mobile hotspots and a significant number of active IoT hotspots worldwide.

Nova Labs is actively expanding its coverage by securing partnerships with telecommunication infrastructure providers in new regions. This strategic move aims to replicate the success seen in the United States and Mexico on a global scale, ensuring that the benefits of decentralized telecom networks are accessible to a broader audience. By fostering innovation, reducing costs, and enhancing data security, decentralization can transform the telecom industry, making it more efficient, transparent, and resilient for all stakeholders.