Telefónica Partners with Nova Labs to Deploy Helium Mobile Hotspots in Mexico
Telefónica, a leading global telecommunications provider, has teamed up with Nova Labs to bring Helium Mobile hotspots to Mexico City and Oaxaca. This collaboration aims to extend Telefónica’s coverage in Mexico by leveraging the crypto-powered Helium 5G network and offloading mobile data traffic.
The hotspots are configured to connect to Telefónica’s network using customers’ existing SIM cards for authentication while allowing data transmission over the Helium 5G network. A proprietary Telefónica management system controls access to the Helium network and monitors hotspot status.
Helium Mobile is a wireless phone service developed by Nova Labs, the startup behind the decentralized Helium network. Users who run nodes or hotspots from their homes or businesses earn crypto tokens on Solana as an incentive for participating.
Expanding Coverage and Reducing Costs
While the Helium Mobile service in the United States operates on a hybrid model, utilizing connectivity from Helium 5G nodes and T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G service, Telefónica is the first major wireless carrier to directly offer Helium Mobile hardware in Mexico. With approximately 383 million customers across Europe and Latin America, Telefónica aims to explore innovative, cost-effective solutions to expand coverage.
Nova Labs emphasizes that its crowdsourced model significantly reduces infrastructure costs compared to traditional towers while enabling community members to join the network. The deployment of hotspots in small spaces can effectively increase coverage in targeted areas.
A Game-Changing Partnership
This partnership between Telefónica and Nova Labs validates the potential of decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) like Helium. Amir Haleem, CEO of Nova Labs, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating that it demonstrates how DePIN projects and telcos can work together to build coverage and benefit customers. Telefónica’s involvement, with its vast customer base, further accelerates the growth and impact of Helium Mobile.
Hot Take: Telefónica and Nova Labs Revolutionize Wireless Coverage in Mexico
The partnership between Telefónica and Nova Labs to deploy Helium Mobile hotspots in Mexico marks a significant milestone in expanding wireless coverage in the country. By leveraging the power of the crypto-driven Helium 5G network, Telefónica can offload mobile data traffic and reach previously underserved areas. This innovative approach, utilizing crowdsourced infrastructure and incentivizing community participation, presents a cost-effective solution for extending coverage. With Telefónica’s extensive customer base and Nova Labs’ expertise in decentralized networks, this partnership is poised to revolutionize wireless connectivity in Mexico and pave the way for similar collaborations worldwide.
By
By
By
By
By