Helium, a decentralized wireless network built on Solana, is entering the Brazilian market through a joint venture with local WiFi provider Mambo WiFi, the companies said Wednesday.
The partnership represents one of Helium’s largest international expansions yet and could lay the groundwork for operator integration in a country where reliable Internet access remains uneven.
As a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN), Helium’s model relies on individuals and businesses to install access points that act as small cell sites. Those operators earn crypto rewards tied to network usage. Supporters say the approach allows wireless coverage to grow more quickly and cheaper than traditional telecommunications installations.
Mambo’s network of approximately 40,000 WiFi access points, already used by major Brazilian telecommunications providers, will serve as the initial base for Helium’s deployment. The companies say operators could use this infrastructure to offload mobile data traffic to Helium-connected hotspots, a strategy that can reduce congestion and lower operating costs.
“Together, we are tackling the telecommunications market in Brazil and pioneering a new model where people-powered networks deliver affordable, reliable coverage at scale,” Mario Di Dio, general manager of networks at Helium, said in the announcement.
Brazil is a major target for the launch: More than 100 million people rely primarily on public or shared WiFi to connect, according to the press release. Currently, helium has more than 120,000 critical points in the United States and Mexico. Brazil is set to become the network’s next major market as it continues its push beyond North America.
Read more: Helium Plus allows companies to join the Solana DePIN project with only Wi-Fi
