Convert HNT to TRY

Helium (HNT) is the native cryptocurrency of the Helium Network, a decentralized wireless infrastructure project that has transitioned to operate on the Solana blockchain.

Key takeaways

• Helium (HNT) is the utility token for the Helium Network, a decentralized wireless infrastructure for Internet of Things (IoT) and mobile data.
• The network originally used a unique Proof-of-Coverage (PoC) consensus mechanism to validate wireless coverage provided by hotspots.
• In 2023, the Helium Network migrated its governance and tokenomics to the Solana blockchain to leverage its high speed and scalability.
• HNT is used to reward hotspot operators for providing network coverage and data transfer, and to pay for network usage via Data Credits.
• The token plays a central role in the network's governance through the Helium DAO.

What is Helium (HNT)? Key Specifications & Tokenomics

Helium (HNT) is the native cryptocurrency that powers the Helium Network, incentivizing the creation of a decentralized, global wireless network.

Who created Helium (HNT)?

The Helium project was founded in 2013 by Amir Haleem, Shawn Fanning, and Sean Carey.

• Amir Haleem, the CEO, brought a background in gaming and esports.
• Shawn Fanning is famously known as the creator of the peer-to-peer file-sharing service Napster.
• Sean Carey served as the Chief Operating Officer. The team's vision was to build a decentralized, cost-effective wireless network long before the concept of decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) became mainstream. The project raised funds through various venture capital rounds and launched its mainnet in 2019. The governance of the network is now overseen by the Helium DAO, a decentralized autonomous organization composed of HNT token holders.

How does Helium (HNT) work?

The Helium Network operates through a global fleet of hardware devices called "hotspots," which combine a wireless gateway with a blockchain miner. The core mechanics involve:

• Proof-of-Coverage (PoC): Hotspots automatically and cryptographically prove they are providing legitimate wireless coverage (LoRaWAN for IoT or 5G for mobile) at their claimed location. They do this by challenging each other with radio frequency packets.
• Data Transfer: Devices on the network use the coverage to send small packets of data (e.g., from sensors). This data is routed through the hotspots.
• HNT Incentives: Hotspot owners earn HNT tokens for two primary activities: participating in PoC challenges to prove coverage (creating "coverage") and transferring data from devices on the network (creating "value").
• Data Credits (DC): To use the network, devices or their operators must pay fees using Data Credits. Data Credits are created by burning HNT tokens, making them non-transferable and fixed in value (pegged to USD). This burn mechanism creates deflationary pressure on HNT.

What makes Helium (HNT) unique and valuable?

Helium pioneered the model of incentivizing the deployment of real-world infrastructure through cryptocurrency, a category now known as DePIN.

• Real-World Utility: It creates tangible, usable wireless networks (IoT and 5G) rather than being a purely financial or digital asset.
• Innovative Consensus: Its original Proof-of-Coverage mechanism was a novel way to use blockchain to verify a physical good (radio coverage).
• Scalability via Solana: The migration to Solana resolved scalability limitations of its original chain, enabling faster transactions, lower costs, and easier integration with the broader Solana DeFi and dApp ecosystem.
• Dual-Token Model: The separation of the volatile, tradeable HNT (for rewards and governance) from the stable, usage-based Data Credits (for network fees) provides economic stability for users.

What is Helium (HNT) used for?

The HNT token has several key utilities within the Helium ecosystem:

• Network Incentivization: Rewarding individuals and businesses for deploying and maintaining hotspot hardware that provides wireless coverage.
• Governance: HNT holders can participate in the Helium DAO to vote on proposals that dictate the future development, parameters, and treasury management of the network.
• Acquiring Data Credits: The only way to create Data Credits, which are required to pay for data transfers on the network, is by burning HNT. This directly ties network usage to HNT's value.
• Staking: On the Solana blockchain, HNT can be staked to earn rewards and to participate in securing the network through validator nodes.

How Is the Helium (HNT) Ecosystem Developing?

The ecosystem has evolved significantly since its migration to Solana.

• Network Expansion: The focus has expanded beyond IoT (LoRaWAN) to include decentralized 5G mobile coverage through the "Helium Mobile" and "Helium 5G" initiatives.
• Helium DAO: Governance is fully decentralized, with the DAO managing a substantial treasury and making key decisions about protocol upgrades and funding.
• SubDAOs: The ecosystem now features specialized DAOs like the IOT SubDAO and the MOBILE SubDAO, which manage their respective wireless networks and token emissions, providing more targeted governance.
• Integration: As an SPL token on Solana, HNT and its related tokens (like IOT and MOBILE) are increasingly integrated into Solana's DeFi platforms for lending, liquidity provision, and more.

How to mine Helium (HNT)?

"Mining" HNT in the traditional Proof-of-Work sense is not applicable. HNT is earned by operating a Helium-compatible hotspot.

• Acquire a Hotspot: Purchase an approved Helium hotspot device (e.g., from manufacturers like FreedomFi, Bobcat, or Nebra).
• Set Up and Connect: Install the hotspot at a location with a clear view for its antenna, connect it to power and the internet.
• Earn Rewards: The hotspot will automatically participate in Proof-of-Coverage challenges and relay device data, earning HNT and/or the new network tokens (IOT for LoRaWAN, MOBILE for 5G) based on its contribution. Earnings depend heavily on location, antenna setup, and network density.

How to keep your HNT Coin safe?

After earning or purchasing HNT, secure storage is crucial.

• Non-Custodial Wallets: For maximum security, use a non-custodial wallet where you control the private keys. Popular Solana wallets like Phantom and Solflare support HNT as an SPL token.
• Hardware Wallets: For large holdings, consider storing your HNT using a hardware wallet (like Ledger or Trezor) integrated with a Solana-compatible software wallet interface.
• Exchange Wallets: For active traders, keeping funds on a reputable exchange like BTCC can be convenient, but remember you are trusting the exchange's security measures. For long-term holding, a private wallet is recommended.

How to buy HNT Coin?

HNT is a popular cryptocurrency listed on many exchanges. However, it is recommended to trade on a major platform like BTCC for higher liquidity and better customer support.

1. Register a BTCC Account: Sign up using your email or mobile number and complete the KYC verification to unlock more features and benefits of the platform.
2. Deposit Funds: Deposit fiat currency (via bank transfer, card, or third-party payment) or transfer USDT from an external wallet into your BTCC account. You can follow this guide.
3. Start Trading: Go to the trading page and search for the spot trading pair HNT/USDT or the perpetual contract HNT/USDT.
4. Place an Order: Enter the amount of HNT you wish to purchase and submit the order. For contract trading, you can also choose to go short (sell) and adjust the leverage multiplier according to your strategy and risk tolerance.
5. Confirm Your Purchase: For spot purchases, check your personal account to see if the coins have arrived. For contract trades, check the trading page to see if your order was filled successfully.