Helium Mobile Expands in Mexico with Movistar Partnership

Helium Mobile, a provider of crypto-incentivized cell networks, is expanding its presence in Mexico through a partnership with Movistar, the country's second-largest carrier service. The collaboration aims to bring Helium network coverage to 2.3 million Mexicans, with Movistar paying for its subscribers to use Helium coverage where possible. In return, Helium hotspot operators will be rewarded with tokens. This expansion hints at Helium Mobile's broader development strategy: growing its network in new markets by partnering with existing telecommunications companies.

Helium Mobile sells hotspot devices that function as mini cell towers and offers cellular plans based on its patchwork of hotspots mixed with T-Mobile coverage in the US. The company's network is monetized using its Solana-based token, HNT. In addition to building a cellular network that aims to challenge legacy cellular networks, Helium Mobile has also explored partnerships with them.

In January 2024, Helium Mobile piloted an activation with Movistar in Mexico City and Oaxaca. A year later, the company is expanding its number of hotspots in Mexico from 91 to 300 or more. Together, Helium Mobile and Movistar will create a hybrid system whereby subscribers' phones will switch between the networks based on availability. This partnership is advantageous for mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) like Helium Mobile, as its hotspots can provide service more cheaply than traditional cell towers.

By growing its own cellular network while striking data offloading deals with telcos, Helium Mobile aims to have the best of both worlds. Carrier offload programs like the one in Mexico incentivize people to plug in Helium hotspots, which in turn improves the network for Helium's own cell network. As part of the partnership, Helium Mobile's decentralized physical infrastructure machines will start being sold in Movistar retail stores.