Helium’s Decentralized Wireless Network Doubles as New Partners Introduce Mining Hotspots on the Network

San Francisco (Sept. 22, 2020) -- Helium, the company behind one of the world’s first decentralized wireless networks, today announced a partnership with RAKwireless and Cal-Chip Connected Devices. Through this partnership, the companies are creating a more accessible entry point for the masses to build and mine the cryptocurrency $HNT on The People’s Network with the introduction of the RAK Hotspot Miner.

Available for $249, the RAK Hotspot Miner is a new device priced at half the cost of Helium’s first-generation Hotspot and delivers the same benefit of providing incentives to people who collectively build the network and enable Internet of Things (IoT) devices to send data to the Internet. With Helium’s unique blockchain-based incentive model, Hotspot owners are rewarded with $HNT in exchange for providing hundreds of square miles of network coverage in their city.  

“We set out to improve the way connected devices are powered and it’s working,” said Amir Haleem, Helium’s CEO and Co-founder. “Due to our unique incentive model, we’ve created the fastest-growing wireless network to date. It’s an incredible feat to have partners build on our network, and it’s proof that a decentralized wireless network is possible.”

RAKwireless, an industry leader in IoT solutions, is the manufacturer of the device and the first of many strategic partners to be named this year. Cal-Chip Connected Devices will serve as the exclusive distribution partner. The product, available for pre-order now, will ship throughout North America, with Europe and Asia to follow later this year.  

“Helium’s growth trajectory is pointing to one outcome, and that’s the realization of a decentralized wireless network,” said Ken Yu, CEO of RAKwireless. “We are looking forward to a longstanding relationship.”

“Since the network went live last year, there continues to be an ongoing demand from people to join and build the network. We are honored to be part of scaling this vision by introducing a new device that will drive the network further at an optimal cost,” said TJ Rancour, President of Cal-Chip Connected Devices, a division of Cal-Chip Specialty Products, Inc.

This news follows major Helium milestones, such as launching in Europe in June 2020 and creating a partnership with the Decentralized Wireless Alliance. What’s more, Lime, Conserv, SmartMimic, Digital Matter, CareBand, and Agulus, joined dozens of other global brands utilizing Helium’s network to provide connectivity for their IoT devices. 

For $249, the RAK Hotspot Miner is sold exclusively through Cal-Chip, available for purchase at https://www.calchipconnect.com/products/rak-hotspot-miner.

About RAKwireless
RAKwireless (RAK) is an industry-leading connectivity provider that builds infrastructures and modular edge devices. With Low Power, Wide Area (LPWA) technology, the company makes Internet of Things (IoT) easy. RAK helps organizations and individuals eliminate connection barriers with its high-performance, low-cost and energy-efficient solutions that use innovative modular hardware components and software interface. For more information, visit https://www.rakwireless.com/en-us

About Cal Chip Connected Devices
Cal Chip Connected Devices, headquartered in Warminister, PA​, is a distributor and value-added service provider of IoT devices. ​Its leadership team’s knowledge of the IoT market and passion for user support position Cal Chip Connected Devices to link customers around the globe with the highest performing devices available on the market today. Cal Chip Connected Devices began as a division of Cal-Chip Electronics, Inc., a 40-year, international provider of warehousing and distribution of thousands of high-tech products. Cal Chip Connected Devices creates a means for scalability and value add to the LoRaWAN industry, through its infrastructure and high-tech sourcing and servicing competencies. For more information, visit https://www.calchipconnect.com/.

About Helium
Since launching in 2013, Helium has become a vibrant community of developers and citizens who are part of building The People’s Network and earning $HNT in exchange. Co-founded by Shawn Fanning and Amir Haleem in 2013, the company makes it possible for brands to get wireless coverage for low power IoT devices at a fraction of the cost of cellular. The network is live in North America and Europe. Live in 1,800 cities throughout North America and Europe, The network is soon coming to Asia. For more information, go to https://www.helium.com.

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