What Is Helium (HNT)? The Decentralized Wireless Network

Imagine a wireless network that isn't owned by a giant telecom corporation. Instead, it's built, owned, and operated by ordinary people all over the world. A network for the community, by the community.

Helium crypto presents a unique and ambitious goal: to build a decentralized, global wireless network owned and operated by its users. Instead of relying on a few large telecommunication companies, the Helium network is built by individuals who are rewarded with its native cryptocurrency, HNT.

What is the Helium Network

The Helium network is often called 'The People's Network'. It is a blockchain based project that incentivizes individuals to become miniature cell tower operators. Users purchase and run small hardware devices called Hotspots from their homes or offices. These Hotspots provide wireless network coverage to the surrounding area, and in return, the operators earn HNT crypto for their contribution to building and securing the network.

The Role of Hotspots

Helium Hotspots are the backbone of the network. They perform two primary functions. The first is to provide wireless coverage for a specific type of low power, long range device, often used for Internet of Things (IoT) applications like smart pet collars or environmental sensors. More recently, the network has expanded to include 5G coverage. The second function is to validate the network through a unique algorithm called Proof of Coverage, which verifies that Hotspots are providing legitimate wireless coverage where they claim to be.

Understanding the HNT Coin

The HNT coin is the native cryptocurrency of the Helium ecosystem and serves as its economic engine. Hotspot operators earn HNT for providing and validating network coverage. To actually use the network's connectivity, companies and developers must acquire Data Credits. These Data Credits are created by converting, or 'burning', HNT coin. This creates a supply and demand dynamic, where the demand for network usage directly drives the demand for the HNT crypto.

The Investment Perspective

Investing in Helium's HNT coin is a bet on the future of decentralized wireless infrastructure. The value proposition is tied directly to the network's real world adoption. As more devices use the Helium network for data transfer, more HNT must be burned to create Data Credits, which can create value for the token. The project has also migrated its core infrastructure to the Solana blockchain to leverage its high speed and scalability.

Want to be part of this innovative ecosystem? You can invest in the core asset of the network by acquiring HNT on the BYDFi spot market.

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