Movistar, Helium Expand Decentralized Wireless Network in Mexico

Movistar, Telefónica’s mobile carrier in Mexico, and Helium, a pioneer in decentralized wireless communications, have officially begun rolling out the Helium Network, bringing coverage to over two million Movistar subscribers across the country. This collaboration aims to leverage decentralized infrastructure to expand connectivity while reducing costs for operators.

“At Telefónica Movistar México, we are focused on working under an alliance model that allows technological deployment acceleration and better quality for users, while generating efficiencies. We are seeing what is possible and exploring how a network powered by people can bring more value to Telefónica and our subscribers across Mexico,” says Camilo Aya, President and  CEO, Telefónica Movistar México.

In 2024, Movistar and Helium launched a pilot project aimed at enhancing mobile coverage in specific regions. By offloading data traffic to the Helium Network, the project successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of a decentralized approach. The jointly designed architecture allows Movistar subscribers to seamlessly connect to the Helium Network, ensuring uninterrupted service while optimizing network capacity.

Following the successful pilots in Mexico City and Oaxaca, which saw an average of 390 MB of daily data offloaded per user, Movistar and Helium are now set to expand their collaboration. This initial rollout includes over 300 network expansion sites, with Helium Mobile Hotspots available for purchase in Movistar retail stores and online channels. The expansion enhances Movistar's coverage and enables the carrier to resell Helium Network access to other Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Mexico.

The Movistar-Helium partnership challenges traditional telecom infrastructure by replacing large, centrally-operated cell towers with a decentralized model powered by individual Hotspot owners. This approach significantly reduces overhead costs while improving coverage, benefiting both carriers and consumers.

The Helium Network boasts nearly 59,000 Hotspots across Mexico and the United States, serving over 300,000 daily users. Anyone can contribute to expanding the network by setting up a Hotspot in high-traffic locations such as businesses, retail shops, or event venues. Hotspot owners earn cryptocurrency rewards based on the amount of mobile data transferred, creating an incentive-driven model that encourages network growth.

Helium is part of the investment portfolio of Wayra, Telefónica's corporate venture capital fund. “Helium is on a mission to make connectivity more affordable for the masses. Collaborating with Movistar amplifies our vision of decentralized connectivity, inviting millions of their subscribers to use the Helium Network,” says Mario Di Dio, GM of Network, Helium.