The telecommunications industry is facing significant challenges, including stagnant subscriber growth, rising site lease costs, and increasing global data consumption. Major US telecom companies are projected to spend around $15 billion annually on site leases. This pressure is compounded by efforts to find new revenue streams that further strain network capacity. Decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePINs), exemplified by Helium, offer a viable solution. These networks allow multiple parties to own and maintain infrastructure, providing rewards through blockchain incentives. DePINs facilitate rapid coverage creation, scalable expansion without heavy capital costs, operational cost reductions, improved performance, and increased trust through transparency. Despite resistance from traditional telecom executives due to concerns about service quality and control, history shows a successful transition has occurred before, such as the switch from analog to digital networks. As 6G technology looms, collaborating with decentralized networks will be vital for achieving robust connectivity without the high costs of traditional upgrades. The Helium Network demonstrates how decentralized solutions can already successfully support major carriers, paving the way for their future integration into the telecom landscape.

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