What is DePIN?

DePIN, or decentralized physical infrastructure networking, represents one of the fastest-growing sectors in web3. This sector has the potential to significantly impact people’s everyday lives, as it is already making an impact in the real world.

DePIN networks leverage incentives to motivate people worldwide to collaborate and provide the infrastructure necessary to power various services such as computer rendering, EV charging, and telecommunications networks.

Case in Point: Helium

Helium is building the world’s fastest-growing decentralized wireless network. As a mobile service provider, it offers 5G connectivity at just $20 a month over its community-powered Helium Mobile network. However, what sets Helium apart is not just its mobile service, but the people powering it.

“Helium is a network that aligns the incentives between people that want to connect and people that are able to provide connectivity,” says Helium Foundation CEO Abhay Kumar.

The Physical Hardware Network
Helium CEO Abhay Kumar explains that with Helium, there are two networks, each with its unique purpose. The 5G network is for mobile connectivity, whereas the IoT (Internet of Things) network is for providing connectivity to devices outside of smartphones. Anyone can become a “cell phone tower” by setting up a hotspot in their home, allowing people using the network to stay connected.

Those who provide hotspots to the network are compensated in Helium’s native token for the connectivity services they offer. This incentivizes hotspot providers to share their resources, forming a collaborative network.

Community-Oriented Infrastructure
With Helium, community members leverage locations and existing hardware to provide connectivity at a fraction of the cost, rendering traditional centralized infrastructure unnecessary. This collective effort brings down the cost significantly, allowing for affordable mobile connectivity plans such as the $20 “Helium Mobile” plan introduced by the network.

Cost Savings Explained
By eliminating the need for a single, massive organization to maintain real estate, operations, infrastructure, and staffing, the cost of using Helium’s network is kept low and will continue to reduce over time. COO Scott Sigel explains: “Now, you’re talking about $20 cell phone plans, because you’re not talking about one large, centralized organization that has to think about the real estate, the operation, the upkeep, the headcount, so the cost is just going to continue to come down in cost over time.”

Helium Implementation

Anyone can become a participant in Helium’s network simply by installing a hotspot device with a specialized antenna. This hotspot joins the community network, allowing users access to mobile connectivity and IoT integration. As a hotspot provider, individuals collect Helium’s native token for any data sent through their hotspot

Helium’s community approach has led the way for alternative infrastructure solutions:

• Decentralized wireless networks
• Community-driven renewable energy generation
• Peer-to-peer energy trading (P2P)

Benefits of DePIN

Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide utilize Helium’s network, with some hotspot providers earning thousands per month from their contributions.
DePIN networks deliver numerous benefits:

• Incentivises community members to collaborate and share available resources
• Reduces infrastructure costs
• Increases accessibility by providing alternative connectivity options

• Enhances data analytics and IoT solutions

Provides a viable alternative to traditional ISPs

• Supports sustainable energy generation using renewable resources

Conclusion

Hundreds of thousands people worldwide have come together to form this decentralized wireless network.
DePIN will continue to expand and grow as incentives and benefits grow. The innovative approach will pave the way
for community-driven infrastructure solutions impacting people’s daily lives.
Real-world results and cost savings continue to grow, making DePIN a future-proof solution worth exploring.