TLDR
- AT&T taps Helium to boost U.S. Wi-Fi coverage.
- Helium rewards users with HNT for hotspot use.
- AT&T uses Passpoint for seamless Helium access.
- SEC clears Helium tokens as non-securities.
- Decentralized and traditional networks now converge.
Telecommunications giant AT&T has announced a new partnership with decentralized wireless network provider Helium to expand Wi-Fi access for its subscribers. This collaboration enables AT&T customers across the United States to connect to Helium’s community-powered network of Wi-Fi hotspots, improving service coverage and reliability.
Helium has announced a partnership with AT&T to provide Wi-Fi connectivity at thousands of locations across the U.S. via the Helium Network, a decentralized infrastructure built by individuals and businesses deploying Hotspots to offer coverage and earn rewards.…
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) April 24, 2025
Helium operates as a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN), relying on individuals and businesses who deploy small-scale wireless devices known as Hotspots. These devices contribute to network coverage and are incentivized through Helium’s native token, HNT. The Helium Network now comprises more than 93,000 active hotspots, predominantly in the United States, offering an alternative to traditional infrastructure.
Seamless Connectivity through Passpoint Integration
AT&T subscribers can access Helium hotspots using Passpoint technology, a secure and automatic Wi-Fi authentication system. This integration facilitates smooth transitions between traditional cellular service and Helium’s decentralized Wi-Fi, creating a more cohesive and seamless user experience.
The commercial agreement is structured between AT&T and Nova Labs, the developer of the Helium Network. While AT&T will not directly compensate hotspot operators, these participants will continue to earn HNT based on data usage and coverage contributions. Helium’s usage-based reward system ensures that participants are compensated according to their network utility.
Growing Network Adoption and Industry Partnerships
Helium’s network supports over 800,000 daily users and adopted by other telecom operators such as Telefónica’s Movistar in Mexico. This broader industry interest highlights the operational benefits of integrating decentralized infrastructure with existing mobile networks.
In February 2024, Helium Mobile launched the Zero Plan, a free phone plan offering unlimited text, talk, and data in the U.S. The move marked a significant step in demonstrating the viability of decentralized networks in mainstream telecommunications. With AT&T on board, Helium’s infrastructure aims to play a larger role in enhancing mobile connectivity nationwide.
Regulatory Clearance and Technology Shift
In April 2025, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission concluded its investigation into Helium’s token offerings, ruling that HNT, MOBILE, and IoT tokens are not unregistered securities. This decision removed a key regulatory concern and supports the continued growth of the Helium ecosystem.
Helium originally launched its proprietary blockchain but transitioned to Solana in 2022. The migration allowed the network to benefit from Solana’s scalability and performance. Helium has also raised substantial funding since its founding in 2013, including a $111 million token sale led by Andreessen Horowitz and a $200 million Series D round.
Integrating Helium’s decentralized infrastructure into AT&T’s wireless services signals a new phase in wireless convergence. By combining community-powered technology with traditional telecom services, AT&T aims to enhance connectivity and improve coverage for its subscribers. The collaboration also reinforces Helium’s role in shaping the future of mobile networks through decentralized, cost-effective solutions that complement existing infrastructure.
