AT&T taps Helium’s decentralized Wi-Fi to boost coverage

AT&T has joined forces with Helium Network to offer its subscribers access to Helium’s decentralized, community-powered Wi-Fi at thousands of locations across the U.S.

The move marks a significant step in AT&T’s wireless convergence strategy, integrating Helium’s network of more than 62,000 “Hotspots” as a complement to traditional cellular infrastructure.

The Helium Network (HNT), built by individuals and businesses running mini cell towers in exchange for crypto rewards, offers a cost-efficient model to expand wireless access. 

AT&T becomes one of the first major carriers to adopt Helium’s real-time coverage quality metrics, using the data to improve transparency and network optimization, according to a company release. 

Passpoint Wi-Fi

Subscribers will gain seamless access via Passpoint Wi-Fi authentication, enabling their devices to connect to nearby Helium Hotspots when available automatically. This hybrid approach aims to fill service gaps in areas where traditional infrastructure is limited by cost or logistics.

“Working with AT&T is a massive step forward in our mission to bring affordable and accessible connectivity to the masses,” said Helium Co-founder and Helium Mobile CEO Amir Haleem.

AT&T joins other carriers like Telefónica’s Movistar in leveraging Helium’s infrastructure to reduce operational costs and improve service. 

The announcement comes as Helium celebrates key milestones, including the launch of its Zero Plan — the first free mobile plan in the U.S. — and rapid growth in Mexico, where Movistar is helping expand the network to over two million users.

Earlier this year, the U.S. SEC dropped its case against Nova Labs, which had accused the Helium Network team of selling unregistered securities. The case was dismissed with prejudice, ending uncertainty over the regulatory status of certain tokens.