LoRaWAN $IoT

Helium
The Helium LoRa network is a decentralized wireless (DeWi) network that uses long range wide area network (LoRaWAN) technology to connect IoT devices. The network is powered by Helium hotspots, which are small, low-power wireless gateways that allow sensors and devices to communicate with each other and with the internet.

The network uses a unique incentive mechanism to encourage individuals to operate hotspots and provide coverage to their communities. Hotspot operators are rewarded with $IOT tokens for providing coverage and verifying wireless transactions. These tokens can ultimately be converted to Helium’s native cryptocurrency, $HNT. This is how hotspot owners are compensated to provide network coverage.

A key benefit to LoRa technology is its low data and low power consumption, making it an ideal solution for IoT devices that require long battery life and would otherwise be too expensive or remote to operate on a cellular network. Using a burn/mint model to create a sustainable marketplace application, enterprise organizations can purchase data credits to operate devices on the Helium network which is in turn awarded to hotspot operators and validators.

Ultra Networks operates a fleet of 200+ Helium LoRaWAN gateways across the southwest and has consulted many third party organizations on optimizing their own deployments. As advocates for the demonopolization of telecom and connectivity, Ultra Networks plans to continue Helium deployments as the DeWi project expands into future protocols such as 5G Cellular, WiFi and VPN.