Helium Mobile is starting a licensing program for its hotspot devices, the cell plan provider announced Tuesday.
Helium Mobile’s hotspots let individuals or businesses set up “mini cell towers” that emit cell coverage and pay out tokens in exchange. There are already several third-party manufacturers and vendors for the Helium Internet of Things (IoT) network, according to Helium’s website, but Helium Mobile is currently the only provider for cell phone coverage devices.
With the licensing program, Helium Mobile hopes to earn licensing fees from hotspots being manufactured elsewhere while simultaneously growing its burgeoning cellular network.
Helium Mobile is being developed by Nova Labs. The cell plan runs on a hybrid of its own distributed network coverage and service Helium Mobile buys from T-Mobile. The plan piloted in Miami before going live nationwide in the US — at a monthly price point of $20 — last December.
Helium Mobile has accrued 93,898 sign-ups in total, according to a Dune dashboard. The dashboard does not track potential subscription cancellations, so the number of active subscribers may be fewer.
Before Nova Labs developed Helium Mobile, the same team built an IoT network with similar Web3 mechanics to power things like e-scooters. Users have been running Helium wireless hotspots for years, and the IoT network supports “dozens” of third-party devices.
But Helium Mobile’s cell phone coverage hardware was developed in-house.
Helium Mobile began selling $249 indoor hotspots in October 2023 and $499 outdoor hotspots in December. Now, others can manufacture and sell Helium Mobile hotspots.
MNTD. is set to become the first third-party manufacturer of Helium Mobile hotspots, according to a press release. Helium Mobile hopes others will soon follow.
“Introducing a licensing program and partnering with hardware manufacturers means there are more options for people who are considering becoming part of the Helium Network. We are excited to see the community grow,” a spokesperson for Helium Mobile told Blockworks.