Helium, a decentralized wireless network built on Solana, is entering the Brazilian market through a joint venture with local WiFi provider Mambo WiFi, the companies said Wednesday.
The partnership represents one of Helium’s most significant international expansions so far and could set the stage for carrier integrations in a country where reliable internet access remains uneven.
As a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN), Helium’s model depends on individuals and businesses installing hotspots that act as small cell sites. Those operators earn crypto rewards tied to network usage. Supporters say the approach allows wireless coverage to scale more quickly and cheaply than traditional telecom buildouts.
Mambo’s network of roughly 40,000 WiFi hotspots, which is already used by major Brazilian telecom providers, will serve as the initial base for Helium’s deployment. The companies say this infrastructure could be used by carriers to offload mobile data traffic onto Helium-connected hotspots, a strategy that can reduce congestion and lower operating costs.
“Together, we’re tackling the telco market in Brazil and pioneering a new model where people-powered networks deliver affordable, reliable coverage at scale,” Mario Di Dio, Helium’s GM of Network, said in the announcement.
Brazil is a sizable target for the rollout: more than 100 million people rely primarily on shared or public WiFi to get online, according to the press release. Helium currently has more than 120,000 hotspots across the U.S. and Mexico. Brazil is set to become the network’s next major market as it continues its push beyond North America.
Read more: Helium Plus Lets Businesses Join Solana DePIN Project With Just Wi-Fi