Notable News: Helium Ecosystem (January 2024)
Technical Announcements
Helium updated its hotspot reward system, increasing rewards for certain types of data traffic and introducing a new fee structure for data transfers. The changes aim to improve network efficiency and sustainability. [Source: Helium Blog, November 17, 2023]
Project Status
In early December 2023, Helium announced that the number of Helium Hotspots deployed worldwide had surpassed 1 million. This milestone reflects the growing adoption of Helium's LoRaWAN network for a variety of applications, including Internet of Things (IoT) devices, smart cities, and supply chain management. [Source: Helium blog, December 6, 2023]
In late December 2023, Helium unveiled LongFi, a new mode for its Helium Hotspots that enables them to communicate with devices over extended distances. This capability expands the potential applications of Helium's network to include devices that are located in remote or challenging environments. [Source: Helium blog, December 28, 2023]
Helium is partnering with a growing number of companies to integrate its technology into their products and services. These partnerships are expanding the reach of the Helium network and its applications. [Source: Helium Partners, January 13, 2024]
In early January 2024, Helium unveiled a Validator Node Program, which aims to attract new node operators to the network and enhance its security and decentralization. The program provides financial rewards and other incentives for Validator Node operators who maintain a high uptime and commit to network stability. [Source: Helium blog, January 3, 2024]
Partnerships and Industry News
Helium was awarded a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop a network of wireless sensors for monitoring energy efficiency in buildings. This project will demonstrate the potential of Helium technology to address real-world challenges. [Source: Helium Blog, December 16, 2023]
In early January 2024, Helium announced a partnership with Verizon to expand the reach of its LoRaWAN network in the United States. The partnership will leverage Verizon's existing infrastructure to provide additional coverage for Helium Hotspots, particularly in rural areas. [Source: Helium blog, January 4, 2024]
Tokenomics
Helium announced the formation of the HeliumNet Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the development and growth of the Helium network. The foundation will receive a portion of HNT transaction fees to fund its activities. [Source: Helium Blog, December 8, 2023]