Helium Expands to Brazil via Joint Venture with Mambo WiFi to Deploy DePIN Wireless Network on Solana
Helium is expanding its decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) to Brazil through a joint venture with Mambo WiFi. This move is considered one of Helium's most significant international expansions and is expected to facilitate carrier integrations in Brazil, where internet access remains uneven.
Mambo WiFi operates a network of about 40,000 hotspots, which is already utilized by major Brazilian telecom providers. This existing network will serve as the foundation for Helium's deployment in the country.
Helium's network model relies on individuals and businesses installing hotspots that act as small cell sites. Operators of these hotspots earn cryptocurrency rewards based on network usage. The infrastructure aims to help mobile carriers offload data traffic onto Helium-connected hotspots, potentially reducing network congestion and lowering operational costs.
With over 100 million people in Brazil relying on shared or public WiFi for internet access, this expansion marks Brazil as Helium's next major market beyond its current operation of over 120,000 hotspots in the U.S. and Mexico.
Mario Di Dio, Helium's General Manager of Network, stated that this partnership targets the Brazilian telecom market to deliver affordable and reliable coverage at scale through a people-powered network.
