Movistar, Telefónica’s mobile carrier in Mexico, and Helium, a pioneer in decentralised wireless communications, are beginning to roll out the Helium Network, with plans to activate service to over two million Movistar subscribers across Mexico. We asked Mario Di Dio, General Manager of Network at Helium, to tell us a bit more about the technology and the business model it enables.
Movistar Mexico has been supported in this initiative by Telefónica Innovación Digital, a part of parent company the Telefónica Group that promotes innovation. Together with Helium, it has developed a pioneering controller solution that can be integrated with other operators who want to implement decentralised telecommunications networks based on Helium's blockchain technology.
But let’s start with the basics. What is the technology behind what Helium calls its mini-Hotspots?
The Helium Mobile Network is an expanse of people-owned Hotspots and existing Wi-Fi networks that provide cellular services to phones and other devices in exchange for crypto or US dollars. Helium is used by many major US carriers as an offload solution for when faster, better or more affordable coverage is needed.
Thus, Mario Di Dio explains: “The Hotspots are part of the Helium Network’s decentralised wireless network. They act as mini cell towers that individuals can easily set up in shops, businesses, venues and other areas where there is high foot traffic.” He continues: “Helium Mobile Hotspots are Wi-Fi access points with a technology called Passpoint, which allows seamless and secure connectivity for mobile devices.”
It is, he adds, possible to upgrade existing Wi-Fi infrastructure with Passpoint technology to become Helium-enabled.
As for Movistar subscribers, they will be able to use the Hotspots where coverage is available in Mexico, thanks to a jointly designed architecture that allows them to seamlessly connect to the Helium Network. This removes the need for Movistar to rely entirely on traditional cell towers. It also reduces the infrastructure costs for the operator.
In 2024, Movistar and Helium carried out a pilot project with real Movistar customers. The pilot aimed to extend the operator's coverage in the country in certain areas to allow the offloading of mobile data traffic onto the Helium Network.
Indeed, during pilots in Mexico City and Oaxaca, Movistar subscribers offloaded an average of 390 MB of data daily to the Helium Network and maintained roughly one hour of daily connection time.
Di Dio says: “Movistar can expand coverage quickly without the high capital costs associated with building and maintaining traditional cell towers. This reduces the need for expensive backhaul, site leasing and maintenance.”
The Helium community will deploy Helium Mobile Hotspots, which, in the coming months, will be made available for purchase in Movistar retail stores and online channels, to rapidly expand coverage in Mexico. As part of this agreement, Movistar will also be able to resell Helium Network coverage to other local MVNOs.
Hotspot deployers earn HNT (a type of cryptocurrency) as a reward for helping to build the network and for transferring data. Like other tokens, HNT is available on third-party exchanges and platforms.
The system has, it seems, already proved itself. At the moment over 60,000 mobile Hotspots are deployed across the US and Mexico, serving over 300,000 daily users from Helium Mobile and other major carriers. One might assume, however, that the involvement of Movistar could take it to another level.
The initial phase of this new partnership will include network expansion in over 300 sites. Some 2.3 million Movistar subscribers will soon gain access to the Helium Network as coverage becomes available. So where will Helium go next?
“This is just the beginning of what’s possible for Helium,” says Di Dio. “We’re excited to partner with Movistar as coverage expands in Mexico and we’ve already seen demand from other carriers who want to leverage this people-powered network to offload subscriber data as well.”
What about the regulatory environment in other countries? “Helium’s decentralised model allows for flexibility, as it can adapt to local regulatory standards as needed.”
For now, of course, the focus appears to be on making the most of an alliance with a major Mexican carrier, or, as Di Dio puts it: “Helium is on a mission to make connectivity more affordable for the masses. Collaborating with Movistar amplifies our vision of decentralised connectivity, inviting millions of their subscribers to use the Helium Network.”
