Learn how Helium runs on Solana: tokens (HNT, IOT, MOBILE), Proof-of-Coverage, Data Credits, governance (veHNT), wallet setup, costs, and how to get started.
About Helium
Helium is a decentralized wireless network that runs on Solana. It coordinates thousands of independently operated radios (“Hotspots”) and small-cell nodes to provide open coverage for Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices and community-driven mobile service. On Solana, Helium uses three SPL tokens:
HNT — the Helium Network’s primary token
IOT — rewards and governance token for the IoT sub-network
MOBILE — rewards and governance token for the 5G/Mobile sub-network
Helium moved its on-chain activity to Solana to gain faster finality, lower fees, and access to Solana’s tooling, while keeping the network’s wireless operations and rewards running as before. Governance for Helium now lives on Solana as well (via veHNT), and users manage HNT, IOT, and MOBILE with Solana wallets, including the Helium Wallet app.
A key part of Helium is Proof-of-Coverage (PoC): a set of on-chain and oracle-verified checks that incentivize Hotspots to prove they’re providing real, useful wireless coverage. This mechanism underpins how IOT and MOBILE rewards are distributed to community operators.
For Solana traders and DeFi users, Helium sits at the intersection of on-chain finance and real-world infrastructure (often called DePIN). You’ll see HNT, IOT, and MOBILE across Solana DEXs and dashboards, but their utility is tied directly to network usage (for example, data transfer is paid using Data Credits created by burning HNT). On Solana, Helium’s token logic, governance, and treasury actions all settle alongside the rest of the ecosystem, making it straightforward to custody, swap, and analyze Helium assets with standard Solana tools.
What makes Helium special?
Helium ties on-chain incentives to off-chain infrastructure in a way that’s native to Solana. Three elements stand out:
SubDAO structure mapped to real networks
The Helium DAO (HNT) oversees subDAOs (IOT and MOBILE). Emissions and governance decisions align with growth of specific networks—IoT and Mobile—so token flows track real-world buildout. For Solana users, this means HNT, IOT, and MOBILE represent distinct parts of one protocol, all settled on Solana.Predictable, USD-pegged network usage
Data Credits provide fixed pricing for transferring data, created by burning HNT. This design links token economics to actual usage and gives developers a consistent cost model for deploying IoT sensors or mobile data services.Purpose-built wallet and open tooling
The Helium Wallet app supports Solana and Helium flows, and the Explorer offers transparent network insight. For traders, analysts, and builders, this combination reduces friction: custody on Solana, query via public endpoints, and verify coverage directly on Explorer.
Pricing
Discover the pricing options available for Helium
Paid
Helium itself is a protocol. There’s no subscription to “use Helium” at the token level, but there are costs tied to different actions:
On-chain activity on Solana — standard Solana transaction fees apply when moving HNT, IOT, or MOBILE.
Network usage — sending data through Helium consumes Data Credits (DC), which are minted by burning HNT. One DC is pegged to $0.00001 in protocol logic; total DC used depends on your application’s data volume.
Operating hardware — if you run a Hotspot or small cell, the device cost and any maker-specific fees are separate and vary by manufacturer. (Pricing is not set by Helium the protocol and must be confirmed with the hardware provider.)
Helium Mobile plans — consumer mobile plans are offered separately by service providers that use the Helium Mobile network; pricing is outside the protocol and should be checked with the provider.
If you don’t see clear pricing for a particular device or plan, it isn’t published by Helium as a protocol. Confirm costs with the relevant vendor or provider.
How to get started
Getting started with Helium on Solana is straightforward even if you’re new to DePIN or wireless:
1
Set up a Solana wallet (or the Helium Wallet app)
2 minutes
Easy
Install a reputable Solana wallet and create a new address, or use the Helium Wallet app which supports HNT, IOT, and MOBILE directly on Solana. Secure your recovery phrase.
2
Fund your wallet with SOL for fees
2 minutes
Easy
You’ll need a small amount of SOL to pay transaction fees when moving HNT, IOT, or MOBILE.
3
Add Helium tokens
2 minutes
Easy
Add HNT, IOT, and MOBILE to your wallet using the verified SPL mints. If you migrated from pre-Solana Helium, follow Helium’s app and Ledger instructions to manage tokens post-migration.
4
Explore coverage and network activity
2 minutes
Easy
Use the Helium Explorer to view Hotspots, network activity, and coverage maps. This helps you assess where IoT or Mobile infrastructure exists and where demand could grow.
5
Choose how you’ll participate
2 minutes
Easy
Hold/Use tokens: custody and transfer HNT, IOT, MOBILE on Solana.
Govern: read veHNT rules and participate in votes.
Build: if you’re a developer, estimate Data Credit needs and integrate Helium for IoT traffic or mobile data.
Operate hardware: if you plan to deploy a Hotspot or small cell, consult the relevant maker for device availability and onboarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about this tool
Is Helium really on Solana?
Yes. Helium’s tokens, governance, and treasury settled on Solana after the migration, and the Helium Wallet became a Solana wallet.
What are HNT, IOT, and MOBILE?
HNT is the Helium Network’s primary token. IOT is for the IoT sub-network and MOBILE is for the mobile/5G sub-network. All three are SPL tokens on Solana.
How does Helium pay for actual network usage?
Usage is paid in Data Credits (DC), which are minted by burning HNT and are pegged to USD at a fixed rate per unit of data, enabling predictable costs for devices and apps.
What is Proof-of-Coverage?
Proof-of-Coverage (PoC) is an incentive mechanism that verifies radios are providing real, usable coverage. Rewards depend on passing PoC checks and serving traffic.
Do I have to use the Helium Wallet?
No. You can use major Solana wallets to hold and transfer HNT, IOT, and MOBILE. The Helium Wallet adds Helium-specific flows and is maintained for Helium users.
