Helium is a global, decentralized network enabling individuals to build and operate wireless infrastructure for mobile cellular traffic and the Internet of Things (IoT). Participants deploy Hotspots, plug-and-play devices that act as miniature cell towers, to provide coverage and earn rewards in HNT. The Helium Network offers a new approach to connectivity by distributing infrastructure ownership and incentivizing participation, creating a model that is more cost-effective and community-driven than the traditional telecom industry.

Helium operates through a network of Hotspots, which are a combination of a wireless gateway and a blockchain transaction processing device. Each Hotspot provides network coverage over a certain radius and processes transactions involving Helium's native token, HNT. The network operates on a proof-of-coverage consensus algorithm based on the HoneyBadger BFT protocol, which allows nodes in a network to reach consensus even when connection quality varies. Users pay transaction fees in a separate token called Data Credits, which are non-exchangeable and tied to individual users. This unique consensus mechanism, known as proof-of-coverage (PoC), aims to reward users for contributing to transaction processing and ensuring network stability.

Helium was founded in 2013 by Amir Haleem, Shawn Fanning, and Sean Carey. Haleem has a background in eSports and game development, while Fanning is known for developing Napster, one of the first mainstream peer-to-peer internet services. Carey held multiple development roles prior to Helium, including at advertising optimization firm Where, which was acquired by PayPal. The Helium team now consists of members with experience in radio and hardware, manufacturing, distributed systems, peer-to-peer, and blockchain technologies. The Helium mainnet was launched in July 2019. As of a certain point in time, there were over 48 million HNT in circulation.

We update our Helium to ARS currency in real-time. Get the live price of Helium on Coinbase.

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The current circulating supply of Helium is 186 million.

Helium ranks 111 among tradable assets on Coinbase. Popularity is currently based on relative market cap.

Currently, 96% of Coinbase users are buying Helium. In other words, 96% of Coinbase customers have increased their net position in Helium over the past 24 hours through trading.

Yes, Helium is currently available on Coinbase’s centralized exchange. For more detailed instructions, check out our helpful how to buy Helium guide.