How DePIN Networks Like Helium Are Bringing Blockchain to the Masses

• Nick Garcia highlights DePIN’s role in bringing blockchain utility to the masses through networks like Helium and Hivemapper.
• Helium’s decentralized wireless network gains traction, enabling global devices to connect freely, with major U.S. operators testing the network.

In a tweet, Messari’s Nick Garcia emphasized his growing optimism that DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) will play an important role in bringing blockchain technology to the public and demonstrating how blockchains can provide sustained utility.

Increasingly believe DePIN will onboard the masses and showcase how blockchains can provide utility in a sustainable manner.

Take @helium — over 500,000 subscribers have leveraged the network via the Carrier Offload beta. As the supply side accelerates, especially with…

— Nick Garcia (@NickDGarcia) August 26, 2024

Helium and Hivemapper: Real-World Impact of DePIN in Expanding Blockchain Utility 

Garcia cited the Helium network as a perfect example of this potential, stating that over 500,000 members had previously used the network during the Carrier Offload beta.

As technologies like HIP 130, which will allow existing WiFi hotspots to join the network, advance, the supply side is projected to increase, resulting in larger coverage and higher quality. This is likely to result in expanded usage by large carriers, demonstrating the practical benefits of blockchain technology.

Furthermore, Hivemapper, another DePIN project, has built a strong network of thousands of mappers, who have successfully mapped 26% of the world’s roadways.

The project has also attracted three of the major mapping businesses as clients, demonstrating DePIN’s real-world influence in addressing actual concerns through the use of crypto technology.

Garcia’s remarks emphasize the growing relevance of these decentralized networks in tackling practical difficulties while also pushing the limits of what blockchain may achieve in terms of value and sustainability.

On the other hand, CNF has revealed that two major US carriers are now testing the transfer of traffic to Helium’s decentralized cellular network. This move represents a huge step forward for Helium, whose decentralized wireless network is gaining traction and allowing worldwide devices to freely connect to the internet.

This move is especially notable since it indicates Helium’s growing momentum among major industry participants, which could lead to even wider adoption in the near future.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that the Helium Foundation has updated its IoT and MOBILE verifiers to exclude leap year accounting from rewards, demonstrating their dedication to refining and expanding the network’s performance.

Furthermore, Telefónica and Nova Labs have increased Helium Mobile Access Points, dramatically increasing coverage throughout Mexico, potentially boosting the network’s adoption and utility.

At the time of writing, Helium’s native token, HNT, is trading at $6.93, up 9.05% over the last 24 hours. This surge in value has elevated HNT to one of the day’s top five gainers, indicating rising confidence in Helium’s network and future potential.