Decentralizing telecom infrastructure isn’t just a tech experiment — it’s becoming a real business advantage for both small businesses and major telecom providers, according to Frank Mong, COO of Nova Labs, the company behind the Helium Network.
Speaking at Consensus 2025 in Toronto, Mong explained how decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePINs) are reshaping the telecom landscape. “We’re seeing a win-win,” he said. “Local businesses get new revenue streams, and big telecoms gain efficient coverage expansion.”
Helium’s model allows individuals and small businesses — think cafes, corner stores, and other neighborhood hubs — to earn money by hosting wireless hotspots. These hotspots contribute to network coverage while cutting traditional infrastructure costs.
At the same time, telecom giants like Telefónica and AT&T are partnering with Nova Labs to leverage Helium’s community-powered coverage. Telefónica teamed up with Nova Labs in early 2024 to reach underserved areas across Latin America. In a more recent move, AT&T began integrating Helium’s mobile hotspot network into its own service, giving users automatic access when in range.
“The whole idea is to make connectivity more accessible, resilient, and cost-effective,” Mong said. “What we’ve done in the U.S. and Mexico is just the beginning.”
Helium’s global footprint continues to grow. As of now, the U.S. leads with the most mobile hotspots — over 95,000 — while the broader Helium ecosystem supports more than 284,000 active IoT hotspots worldwide.
Decentralized networks like Helium not only bring practical value but also increase resilience against outages and censorship. For Nova Labs, the mission is global: expand smartly, partner locally, and keep telecom innovation inclusive.
