AT&T will integrate Helium’s decentralized, Solana-powered Wi-Fi infrastructure to expand mobile coverage across thousands of U.S. locations.
Background:
- Helium has announced a strategic partnership with AT&T to connect its subscribers to the Helium Network, a decentralized wireless infrastructure built on the Solana blockchain.
- Through this collaboration, AT&T users will gain access to Helium’s community-powered Wi-Fi Hotspots, helping to fill coverage gaps and improve mobile performance in under-connected areas.
- The Helium Network operates using "Hotspots," small devices deployed by individuals and businesses that provide wireless coverage and earn token-based incentives. With over 62,000 active Hotspots in the U.S. and Mexico, the network continues to scale rapidly.
- As part of AT&T’s broader wireless convergence strategy, the telecom giant becomes one of the first carriers to leverage Helium’s real-time coverage metrics to optimize service and infrastructure efficiency.
Why should you pay attention?
- This partnership blends decentralized infrastructure with a major U.S. carrier, signaling growing institutional trust in blockchain-based connectivity models.
- It marks one of the most visible real-world applications of the Solana ecosystem, reinforcing its role in powering decentralized wireless infrastructure.
- AT&T’s move is likely to influence other MNOs (Mobile Network Operators) and MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) exploring ways to improve service delivery, reduce costs, and tap into community-powered coverage solutions.
- The collaboration uses Passpoint-based Wi-Fi authentication, allowing secure access for subscribers without needing manual logins, a major usability upgrade.
Who said what?
- Amir Haleem, Co-founder of Helium and CEO of Helium Mobile:
“Working with AT&T is a massive step forward in our mission to bring affordable and accessible connectivity to the masses. Teaming up with such a global leader in the industry allows us to rapidly accelerate the adoption of Helium and provide real-world value to both AT&T and their subscribers.”
- Helium Network, in its official statement:
The integration with AT&T “sets the industry standard for the wireless convergence experience,” leveraging decentralized infrastructure to solve coverage and cost challenges.
- AT&T, while not issuing a standalone quote, has positioned the move as a part of its wireless strategy focused on cost-efficient and scalable connectivity solutions.
Zooming out:
- The Helium–AT&T partnership follows Helium Mobile’s launch of the Zero Plan, the first free phone plan in the U.S., and its growing footprint with Telefónica’s Movistar in Mexico.
- As major telecom providers increasingly explore Web3 integration, this partnership could accelerate the adoption of blockchain-powered telecom services, reshaping how mobile access is delivered in the future.
