Helium, a decentralized wireless network built on Solana, is entering the Brazilian market through a joint venture with local Wi-Fi provider Mambo WiFi, the companies said on Wednesday.
The partnership represents one of Helium’s most significant international expansions to date and could pave the way for telco integration in a country where reliable internet access remains uneven.
As a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN), Helium’s model relies on individuals and companies installing touchpoints that act as small cell sites. These operators earn crypto rewards tied to using the network. Proponents say this approach allows wireless coverage to expand more quickly and at a lower cost than traditional telecom buildouts.
The Mambo network of nearly 40,000 Wi-Fi hotspots, 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 to helium-connected hotspots, a strategy that could reduce congestion and lower operating costs.
“Together we are tackling Brazil’s telecommunications market and pioneering a new model where networks run by people provide reliable and affordable coverage at scale,” Mario Di Dio, general manager of network at Helium, said in the announcement.
Brazil is a big 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 touchpoints across the United States and Mexico. Brazil is set to become the network’s next major market as it continues its progress beyond North America.
Read more: Helium Plus allows companies to join the Solana DePIN project through Wi-Fi only
