Helium Network, which offers a Wi-Fi network driven by hotspots deployed by individuals and businesses, has entered into a collaboration with AT&T under which the network will be offered to the carrier’s subscribers.
The announcement of the partnership says that AT&T will gain access to real-time coverage quality metrics that were developed by Helium.
The collaboration facilitates Wi-Fi authentication via Passpoint, which incorporates “a decentralized infrastructure alongside traditional networks” that leverages Helium’s coverage and quality metrics that make user experience data visible, transparent and actionable, the press release says.
Helium Network claims broad usage in the United States and Mexico. For instance, as of mid-April a company webpage said Helium Network had more than 93,000 hotspots. During the previous week, it had averaged just under 700,000 daily users who had data transfers totaling almost 25 terabits per day.
“Working with AT&T is a massive step forward in our mission to bring affordable and accessible connectivity to the masses,” Helium co-founder and CEO Amir Haleem said in the announcement.
“Teaming up with such a global leader in the industry allows us to rapidly accelerate the adoption of Helium and provide real-world value to both AT&T and their subscribers. This is only the beginning of our journey that will transform the future of connectivity.”
In February, Helium Network introduced the Zero plan. As the name implies, the plan — which offers 3 GB of data, 300 texts, and 100 minutes of talk — is free. At the time, the service was available by invitation only. Those not invited to participate could join a waiting list. At the same time, Helium Network also introduced Cloud Points, which offers gift cards in exchange for sharing anonymized location sharing, referrals, and surveys.
