What is Helium?

A beginner's guide to the Helium Network — the decentralized wireless network that rewards people for providing coverage.

By LTE.app Editorial Team

What is Helium?

Helium is a decentralized wireless network that rewards people for providing coverage using IoT hotspots. Think of it like being a mini cell tower operator — you deploy a device, it provides wireless coverage, and you earn HNT (Helium Network Token) cryptocurrency.

You can see the live network — devices, coverage, and on-chain activity — on the [LTE.app coverage page](/helium). No account, no signup.

Can I earn HNT from my phone?

Yes, indirectly. Your phone can't act as a Helium hotspot (it lacks the specialized LoRaWAN or 5G radio hardware), but LTE.app lets you earn HNT through Phone Relay.

How Phone Relay earns HNT

When you use Phone Relay to share your mobile data with nearby travelers:

1. You earn LTE tokens for every MB of data you share
2. 15% of Phone Relay contributions go to a shared HNT pool
3. The HNT pool is distributed to active Phone Relay contributors based on their share of total contributions

The more you help fellow travelers via Phone Relay, the more HNT you earn — all from your regular smartphone.

HNT pool funding

The HNT pool is funded by 10% of LTE.app's platform profit. This creates a sustainable reward system where:

• Platform success = larger HNT pool
• More Phone Relay usage = more distribution to contributors
• Everyone benefits from growing the community

What hardware do I need?

For direct HNT earnings (hotspot owners)

To earn HNT directly from network coverage, you need certified Helium hardware:

• IoT (LoRaWAN) hotspots for sensor connectivity
• Mobile hotspots for 5G coverage
• Outdoor units for extended range

LTE.app's HNT Dashboard (Premium) helps you manage these devices.

For indirect HNT earnings (Phone Relay)

No special hardware needed. Just your smartphone:

• Enable Phone Relay in the Community tab
• Share your connection when travelers need help
• Earn LTE tokens + your share of the HNT pool

Benefits for Phone Relayers

Phone Relay contributors enjoy multiple rewards:

How Helium and LTE.app work together

LTE.app serves as your command center for IoT earnings:

1. Phone Relay — earn HNT indirectly by sharing your phone's data
2. Device Registration — add Helium hotspots to track performance (Premium)
3. Earnings Dashboard — monitor HNT rewards across all devices (Premium)
4. Fleet Management — view uptime, coverage data, and diagnostics (Premium)

Getting started

Option 1: Phone Relay (everyone)

1. Go to Community → Phone Relay
2. Enable relay mode when you have good signal
3. Help travelers and earn LTE + HNT pool shares

Option 2: Helium hardware (Premium)

1. Purchase certified Helium hardware
2. Register devices in Community → Helium Network
3. Monitor earnings in the HNT Dashboard

Your phone is your gateway to HNT earnings. No hardware required.

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