Sign-up to get started
Get onboarded and start trading with as little as $50.
hnt
hnt
Helium is a decentralized wireless network designed to provide connectivity for Internet of Things (IoT) devices using blockchain technology. Its native token, HNT, powers the ecosystem, rewarding users for expanding and maintaining network coverage.
This coin is not available on Newton.
Helium provides a decentralized wireless option for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Devices send pieces of data over long-range, low-power radio rather than through a carrier. The first version of the network went live in 2019 with its own layer-one chain and a tool called proof-of-coverage, which helps confirm that hotspots are actually where they say they are. HNT is the network’s native token, it can be earned by people who run hotspots.
Helium relies on hotspots that act as wireless nodes:
Hotspot coverage: Users deploy hotspots that provide long-range wireless connectivity for IoT devices. Many hotspots also support Wi-Fi–based mobile offload.
Proof-of-coverage: The network verifies coverage through a challenge system in which nearby nodes confirm each other’s location and activity.
Data transfer: When IoT devices send data across the network, participating hotspots may earn HNT for relaying traffic.
Data Credits: IoT devices use Data Credits to send messages. Data Credits are created by burning HNT.
Blockchain operations: Helium migrated to Solana in 2023. Solana processes rewards and proof-of-coverage data and supports the network’s main blockchain functions.
Store: HNT can be held in compatible wallets or on platforms that support it.
Governance: Depending on protocol rules, holders may vote on governance proposals.
Send: HNT can be transferred on supported networks.
Swap: HNT may be exchanged for other digital assets on regulated platforms or decentralized protocols.
Donate: Some organizations accept HNT or Helium-based assets.
*Newton does not currently support HNT and does not support staking, governance, interest-earning, or other utility functions, where applicable, for this asset.*
HNT is the native token of the Helium network. It is used for:
Network incentives: Distributed to participants who support wireless coverage and data transfer.
Protocol operations: HNT is burned to create Data Credits, which IoT devices use for transmitting data.
Governance participation: HNT can be locked as veHNT to participate in community governance, depending on protocol rules.
Ecosystem activity: Applications built on or around Helium may incorporate HNT. Following HIP-138 (2025), sub-tokens such as IOT and MOBILE were unified back into HNT.
Newton does not currently support HNT and does not support staking, governance, interest-earning, or other utility functions, where applicable, for this asset.
Helium combines wireless hardware and blockchain systems:
Long-range radio technology: Supports low-bandwidth IoT devices and, in some deployments, Wi-Fi or mobile offload connections.
Proof-of-coverage verification: Cryptographic challenges confirm that hotspots are providing accurate coverage.
Data Credits: A burn-based mechanism for paying for network usage.
Decentralized infrastructure: Hotspots are operated by individuals and organizations, while the blockchain migrated to Solana for improved scalability.
Features:
Supports long-range, low-power connectivity for IoT devices.
Decentralized hotspot model.
Proof-of-coverage validation.
Token-based incentives for participation.
IoT connectivity: Supports devices for agriculture, asset tracking, and environmental monitoring.
Smart infrastructure: Used for applications such as air-quality sensors, parking systems, or traffic tools.
Logistics and industrial monitoring: Sensors track equipment and goods.
Consumer devices: Some wearables and pet trackers use Helium networks.
Mobile telecom offload: Partnerships with carriers such as T-Mobile and AT&T support certain Wi-Fi–based mobile services.
Actual use depends on device design, regional coverage, and adoption.
2013: Founded by Amir Haleem, Shawn Fanning, and Sean Carey.
2019: Mainnet launched with proof-of-coverage and the HNT token.
2020–2022: Growth in hotspot deployments, ecosystem tools, and IoT integrations.
2023: Network migrated from Helium’s own L1 to the Solana blockchain.
2024: Expansion into Wi-Fi–based mobile access and carrier partnerships.
2025: HIP-138 unified sub-tokens (IOT and MOBILE) back into HNT. SEC lawsuit against Nova Labs dismissed following a $200,000 settlement. Additional updates (e.g., HIP-148) continued to refine mobile-related rewards.
Risks and limitations:
Hotspot rewards can change over time based on network conditions and emissions schedules (including the August 2025 halving).
Hardware availability and performance vary by region.
Market volatility can affect HNT’s price.
Network coverage depends on community participation and may be uneven.
Regulatory outcomes have included the resolution of an SEC lawsuit against Nova Labs in April 2025.
Your security is important. Newton is committed to being a leader in compliance, security, and technical protocols.
For additional information and to review the risks associated with Helium, please see our Asset Statement.
