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 on Wednesday.
The partnership is one of Helium’s most significant international expansions to date and could lay the groundwork for carrier consolidation in countries where reliable internet access remains spotty.
As a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN), Helium’s model relies on individuals and businesses installing hotspots that act as small cells. These operators receive cryptocurrency rewards tied to network usage. Supporters say the approach could allow wireless coverage to expand faster and cheaper than traditional telecom buildouts.
Mambo’s network, which consists of approximately 40,000 WiFi hotspots, is already used by major Brazilian telecommunications providers and will serve as the initial base for Helium deployment. Operators can use the infrastructure to offload mobile data traffic to Helium-connected hotspots, a strategy that can reduce congestion and reduce operating costs, the companies said.
“Together we are conquering Brazil’s telecommunications market and pioneering a new model that delivers affordable, reliable, large-scale coverage with a people-centric network,” Mario Di Dio, general manager of Helium Networks, said in a statement.
Brazil is a sizeable target for the rollout: more than 100 million people rely primarily on shared or public WiFi to get online, according to a press release. Helium currently has more than 120,000 hotspots in the United States and Mexico. Brazil will be the next major market for the network as it continues to expand beyond North America.
Learn more: Helium Plus lets businesses join the Solana DePIN program with just Wi-Fi
