Solana

Messari, a prominent crypto research firm, has released its latest report titled "State of Helium Q4 2024," which provides an in-depth analysis of the Helium Network's growth, adoption, and operational advancements during the last quarter of 2024. The report highlights significant metrics, including a staggering 555% increase in offloaded data, totaling over 576 TB. This growth is attributed to the expansion of the DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) project, particularly in mobile and IoT network capabilities, showcasing Helium's robust performance in a competitive landscape. In Q4 2024, Helium Mobile experienced a 7% growth in subscribers, reaching over 124,000 users for its unlimited talk and text messaging service, with recent updates indicating this number has surpassed 150,000. The network also saw a 14% increase in mobile hotspots, totaling 24,800, while IoT hotspots grew by 20% to 32,900 following its migration to the Solana blockchain. Notably, partnerships with major telecom companies, such as Telefonica in Mexico, and the integration of Ameriband’s 100,000+ Data-Only Hotspots, have significantly enhanced Helium's coverage and operational capabilities across the U.S. The report also discusses Helium's strategic implementation of HIP 138, which aims to simplify its token structure by unifying under HNT. This change is designed to lower barriers for new participants by redistributing HNT emissions, with 70% directed to the MOBILE subnetwork and 30% to the IOT subnetwork. Furthermore, Helium's inclusion in Coinbase’s COIN50 index and a case study at Harvard Business School underscore its growing relevance in the DePIN sector. As Helium continues to innovate and collaborate, its role as a leader in facilitating global connectivity and supporting other DePIN projects solidifies its position in the blockchain ecosystem.

Ambios Network is revolutionizing environmental monitoring through its decentralized platform that collects real-time air quality data. By leveraging low-cost sensors, Ambios enables transparent data sharing with various stakeholders, including data marketplaces and AI platforms. The upcoming launch of the $AMBIOS token in Q1 2025 on the Solana blockchain, with a capped supply of 1 billion tokens and halving-based emissions for mining, marks a significant milestone for the project. This transition from Algorand to Solana, completed in late 2024, aims to enhance throughput and reduce costs, allowing for efficient microtransactions across its network of over 50,000 users and 8,000 sensors, positioning Ambios among the top decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN). The decentralized approach of Ambios Network offers numerous advantages over traditional environmental monitoring systems. By deploying thousands of citizen-hosted air quality nodes, the platform achieves cost efficiency and extensive coverage, capturing hyperlocal data that centralized systems often miss. The incentivization model rewards individuals for hosting sensors and contributing data, fostering community engagement and long-term participation. Furthermore, the scalability of Ambios allows for democratized access to environmental data, enabling various industries to utilize this information for better decision-making in urban management and public health. Ambios Network's partnerships with notable entities, such as Best Western and CMG Companies, showcase its real-world applications in enhancing indoor air quality and operational efficiency. As the platform prepares for its Token Generation Event (TGE) and continues to expand its ecosystem, it stands to tap into a multi-billion dollar market for accurate environmental data. The strategic migration to Solana not only improves operational efficiency but also positions Ambios to leverage the growing DePIN ecosystem, ultimately benefiting both the community and the environment.

The telecommunications industry is undergoing a significant transformation as traditional operators grapple with financial pressures and outdated business models. Roam (ROAM) is emerging as a disruptive force in this sector by offering a decentralized global WiFi network that connects users to over 3 million access points worldwide. By leveraging blockchain technology, Roam provides a secure, password-free connectivity solution while rewarding users and hosts for their participation. Since its inception, Roam has grown to 1.8 million users, showcasing the market's enthusiasm for its innovative approach to connectivity and economic opportunities. Founded in late 2021 as MetaBlox, Roam quickly evolved into an industry leader, launching its first WiFi-Miner in 2022 and becoming the only official web3 partner of the Wireless Broadband Alliance. The Roam app, released in late 2022, enables users to connect to over 1 million free decentralized WiFi hotspots through OpenRoaming. Despite the challenges posed by the bear market in 2023, Roam has continued to innovate, implementing decentralized identifiers (DIDs) and verifiable credentials (VCs) for enhanced security. The rebranding to Roam and migration to the Solana mainnet in 2024 marked a significant milestone, as the network expanded to over 100,000 nodes and 50,000 app users, further solidifying its position in the market. Roam's vision is to establish a decentralized global WiFi network that transforms connectivity delivery and monetization. Key objectives include creating seamless access to web3 and the metaverse, enhancing data security, and fostering global community participation. The platform incentivizes contributions through Roam Points, which can be converted to tokens after the token generation event. With a comprehensive suite of products, including high-performance routers and a user-friendly app, Roam is positioned to redefine how users access and benefit from internet connectivity, ultimately challenging traditional telecom models and paving the way for a more decentralized future.

The cryptocurrency landscape is witnessing a significant evolution, with Coldware (COLD) emerging as a formidable competitor to established platforms like Solana (SOL). Coldware is leveraging its innovative DePin (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) model alongside Internet of Things (IoT) technology to create a unique ecosystem that addresses scalability and real-world applications. This integration aims to facilitate the development of decentralized networks that can be applied in various sectors, including smart cities and energy grids, thereby providing a sustainable and scalable solution for users seeking more than just fast transactions. While Solana has been celebrated for its high-speed transactions and low fees, it faces increasing scrutiny due to network congestion and scalability issues during peak usage. These challenges raise concerns about Solana's ability to support long-term growth as demand for decentralized applications (dApps) and decentralized finance (DeFi) continues to rise. In contrast, Coldware's focus on decentralized physical infrastructure and IoT integration positions it as a strong alternative, potentially attracting investors looking for innovative solutions that extend beyond traditional blockchain functionalities. As Coldware successfully raised $1.3 million during its presale, the project is poised for significant growth. The combination of decentralized finance and IoT is likely to appeal to both institutional investors and everyday users, further enhancing Coldware's market position. As the rivalry between Coldware and Solana intensifies, the blockchain community is keenly observing how Coldware's unique approach could redefine the landscape, potentially leading to a new era of blockchain technology that prioritizes real-world integration and sustainability over mere transactional speed.

Helium Expands into Latin America After Successful Pilot In a tremendous step forward for Solana DePIN, Helium has announced a strategic partnership with Movistar, one of Mexico’s largest telecommunications providers. With over 300 additional Mexico-based sites, the Helium Network will enable over 2.3M Movistar Mexico subscribers to access and contribute to the world’s fastest growing decentralized mobile network. As part of the collaboration, Helium Network hotspots will be distributed in Movistar retail stores, boosting the DePIN providers credibility in Latin American markets. Movistar will also be able to resell Helium Network coverage to other local MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators). Helium X Movistar Pilot Success After spreading like wildfire across the United States, Helium Network begins global expansion in Latin America. In 2024, Helium and Movistar operated a pilot program in Mexico City and Oaxaca facilitating mobile data offloading. On top of expanding Helium Network’s reach and adoption the pilot also enabled Movistar to reduce operating costs. This allowed the collaboration to deliver more affordable and efficient mobile internet access to millions of Movistar subscribers across the country.

Wingbits: Revolutionizing Aviation Data Tracking The Swedish startup, Wingbits, is challenging established players like FlightAware and Flightradar24 in the aviation data industry with a decentralized approach. By leveraging blockchain technology, Wingbits is rewarding hobbyist data collectors through its decentralized physical infrastructure network project, DePIN. This innovative project aims to create a tamper-proof tracking network by launching a satellite in collaboration with Spire Global, carried by SpaceX's Transporter-13 mission. The satellite will validate Wingbits' ground data, enhancing the accuracy of the information provided by the company. Wingbits' CEO, Robin Wingardh, highlighted the significance of the satellite launch during Consensus Hong Kong. The company's existing network of 2,200 on-the-ground nodes managed by flight enthusiasts worldwide will be complemented by the satellite, further strengthening the community-powered tracking network. Unlike traditional industry players, Wingbits rewards its data providers with Solana testnet tokens, fostering a global network of contributors from over 90 countries tracking 120,000 unique flights daily. The reward system allows contributors to exchange tokens for various services, such as air miles and airport lounge access. The addition of satellite-tracking capabilities marks a significant milestone for Wingbits in its mission to disrupt the aviation data industry. By ensuring data accuracy and protection against spoofing, the company aims to set itself apart from competitors like FlightAware and Flightradar24. With recent funding of $5.6 million from investors like Borderless Capital and Bullish Capital, Wingbits is poised to expand its operations and revolutionize flight tracking in the era of Web3.