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In the latest IOSG Weekly Brief, a comprehensive analysis of Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) is presented, highlighting its potential as a significant investment track in the cryptocurrency space. Despite being compared to AI as a new frontier for crypto investments, DePIN lacks a standout project that could lead the charge. While Helium is often cited as a pioneering project, it predates the DePIN concept. The report emphasizes that DePIN is not merely a buzzword; it represents a tangible opportunity to decentralize physical infrastructure, which can optimize various sectors, particularly telecommunications and AI data acquisition. The report outlines specific examples of how DePIN can disrupt traditional models. For instance, Helium Mobile allows users to become micro-operators by purchasing hotspot devices, significantly reducing the costs associated with traditional telecom infrastructure. Similarly, Grass enables AI companies to acquire data at a fraction of the traditional costs by leveraging user-shared bandwidth. These models illustrate that DePIN can outperform conventional infrastructure by offering lower costs and enhanced efficiency, thereby addressing real-world needs. Looking ahead, the report suggests that DePIN could resolve existing challenges in both infrastructure and consumer markets. It highlights the importance of token economics in incentivizing participation within DePIN networks. As DePIN projects evolve, they must navigate various hurdles, including regulatory risks and hardware maintenance. However, the potential for DePIN to create sustainable applications and achieve mass adoption is promising. With ongoing developments, such as Helium's partnerships for expanding its 5G network, DePIN is positioned to be a focal point for investment and innovation in the coming years.

In a groundbreaking partnership, World Mobile has teamed up with Indonesian telecom giant Protelindo to launch the World Mobile Stratospheric program, which aims to revolutionize telecommunications by deploying 5G services via hydrogen-powered drones. These drones will operate at altitudes of 60,000 feet, capable of covering an impressive 15,000 square kilometers with 450 targeted beams. Charles Barnett, Chief Business Officer of World Mobile Group, claims that their service can be delivered at a cost up to 18 times cheaper per gigabyte compared to satellites, with a minimal latency of just 6 milliseconds. This innovative approach could potentially challenge existing players in the decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) space, particularly Helium. The market for sky-based communications is projected to reach $159 billion by 2030, and World Mobile is strategically positioning itself to capture a share of the current $98.3 billion sector. However, competition is fierce, with established players like Elon Musk's Starlink dominating the satellite internet market for remote areas. Unlike Starlink, which necessitates dedicated hardware for remote deployments, World Mobile's model is designed for densely populated mobile user areas, making it a potentially more viable option for urban environments. As World Mobile Stratospheric gears up for launch, the future of Helium appears uncertain. Helium has struggled to maintain its position in the DePIN landscape, with recent price movements indicating a stall in momentum. Analysts suggest that if Helium's price falls below critical support levels, it could face further challenges. With the emergence of innovative projects like World Mobile Stratospheric, the DePIN sector is poised for significant transformation, and all eyes will be on whether World Mobile can outperform its competitors in the upcoming quarters.

World Mobile is making significant strides in the realm of connectivity with the launch of its hydrogen-powered drones, designed to deliver blockchain-enabled 5G services from the stratosphere. This innovative aerial network promises ultra-low latency and boasts a cost efficiency that is reportedly 18 times cheaper per gigabyte compared to traditional satellite-based services. The initiative primarily targets underserved regions, aiming to bridge the digital divide while facing competition from established platforms such as Helium Mobile and Starlink. The project, named "World Mobile Stratospheric," is a collaboration with Indonesian telecom giant Protelindo. These drones will operate at altitudes of 60,000 feet, well above typical weather systems, and utilize 450 steerable beams to provide coverage over expansive areas of up to 15,000 square kilometers per aircraft. According to Charles Barnett, Chief Business Officer of World Mobile Group, this high-altitude approach is crucial for reaching areas where traditional infrastructure fails to provide adequate connectivity. By leveraging blockchain technology, World Mobile aims to decentralize internet access, making it more accessible and affordable for users around the globe. The deployment of these drones not only represents a technological advancement but also a commitment to democratizing internet access, ensuring that even the most remote regions can benefit from modern communication technologies. As World Mobile ventures into this ambitious project, it sets the stage for a new era of connectivity that could redefine how we think about internet access worldwide.

In Q2 2025, the Helium Network demonstrated remarkable growth, achieving a cumulative total of 2,721 TB of data offloaded from major U.S. mobile carriers, marking a 138.5% increase quarter-over-quarter (QoQ). The number of accounts registered with Helium Mobile surged by 94.1%, reaching over 311,200. This growth was accompanied by a significant rise in average daily Data Credit burns, which increased from $6,170 to $10,423. The Helium Foundation also launched a $50 million grant program aimed at enhancing network coverage, starting in New York City and expanding throughout the U.S. and Mexico over the next year. Additionally, Helium Plus was soft-launched, allowing businesses and public WiFi providers to join the network by upgrading their existing routers. The Helium Network operates as a decentralized wireless network, providing both cellular and low-power Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity. It utilizes a unique model where users deploy Hotspots and earn HNT tokens, incentivizing community participation. The network's partnership with telecom giants like AT&T and Telefónica's Movistar has enabled it to extend its reach and improve service quality, particularly in underserved areas. The Carrier Offload Program has been a significant driver of growth, allowing legacy telecom customers to connect to Helium Hotspots, which has led to a substantial increase in paid traffic and user engagement. Despite a broader market downturn that saw HNT's market cap decrease by 23.7%, the Helium Network's operational performance and strategic partnerships position it for sustained growth. The dismissal of the SEC lawsuit against Helium provided regulatory clarity, further strengthening its foundation. The implementation of HIP-141, which unified the governance model under HNT, has streamlined decision-making and encouraged long-term stakeholder commitment. With new product offerings like the “Sprout” kids plan, Helium is poised to expand its market presence and continue evolving as a decentralized alternative in the global wireless landscape.

The decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) sector has faced significant challenges in scaling adoption due to high hardware costs and technical complexities. Helium Plus, the latest innovation from the Helium Network, addresses these issues by allowing users to participate using existing Wi-Fi routers, eliminating the need for additional hardware. This approach not only reduces upfront costs for businesses and public Wi-Fi providers but also simplifies the onboarding process, making it accessible to a broader audience. With Helium Plus, any location with Wi-Fi can become a Helium access point, significantly enhancing the utility of its native token, HNT, and accelerating network growth. Traditional DePIN models, like those used by Filecoin or Arweave, require participants to invest in specialized hardware and technical expertise, creating barriers that limit participation. Helium Plus disrupts this paradigm by monetizing excess bandwidth through a zero-hardware approach. The implications are substantial, as evidenced by the Helium Network's impressive data transfer statistics, which saw a 138.6% quarter-over-quarter increase in offloaded data. With access to 2.3 billion Wi-Fi hotspots globally, Helium Plus is set to further accelerate this growth trajectory, increasing the demand for HNT tokens and enhancing their liquidity. Strategic partnerships with telecom giants such as AT&T and Telefónica's Movistar in Mexico lend institutional credibility to Helium's community-driven model, improving connectivity in underserved regions. For investors, Helium Plus presents a compelling opportunity, as it lowers barriers to entry and taps into underutilized infrastructure. The HNT token's role in governance and its alignment with network usage positions it as a long-term store of value. As the DePIN sector evolves, Helium Plus stands out as a blueprint for future accessibility and scalability, making it an attractive investment for those looking to engage with a project that is redefining industry standards.

Helium, a prominent player in the Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) space on Solana, has announced the launch of a new service called Helium Plus. This innovative service is designed to transform how businesses contribute to the Helium Network by allowing public Wi-Fi providers and enterprises to join the network using their existing Wi-Fi routers. This eliminates the need for additional hardware, thus making it easier for users and businesses to earn the network's native token, HNT, by supporting wireless connectivity and participating in a community-driven mobile infrastructure. DePIN systems leverage blockchain technology to incentivize individuals and organizations to deploy and maintain real-world infrastructure, such as wireless networks, by rewarding them with cryptocurrency tokens. Helium's focus is on decentralized wireless connectivity, where users can provide network coverage through their own deployed “Hotspots.” Participants earn HNT tokens by facilitating mobile data transfer and enhancing network availability. Traditionally, joining the Helium ecosystem required users to invest in physical Hotspot devices, which involved both upfront costs and technical setup. Helium Plus simplifies this process significantly. According to Mario Di Dio, Network General Manager at Helium, Helium Plus marks a significant advancement in how businesses can engage with the Helium Network. The service offers instant and low-cost wireless integration, which reduces infrastructure expenses while simultaneously creating new revenue opportunities and enhancing connectivity. The ease of integrating existing Wi-Fi routers into the Helium Network is crucial for unlocking the full potential of this expansion, making it more accessible for users who wish to participate in the decentralized network model.

Pipe Network, a decentralized infrastructure project built on the Solana blockchain, has launched its Firestarter Storage protocol, aiming to compete with centralized cloud storage and content delivery networks (CDNs) like Cloudflare’s R2. This innovative protocol utilizes a global network of nodes to deliver content with remarkably low latency, reportedly as low as 5 milliseconds. The internal use of Firestarter Storage for hosting Solana’s Proof-of-History archival datasets and regular network snapshots demonstrates its technical viability and sets the stage for a broader application in decentralized data storage. Central to the Firestarter Storage model is its native token, $PIPE. Users must burn $PIPE tokens to access the network and earn data credits, creating a unique incentive mechanism that mirrors those found in other decentralized infrastructure projects within the Solana ecosystem, such as Helium and Hivemapper. The pricing for storage in the Firestarter protocol starts at 1 $PIPE per gigabyte, although the timeline for the token genesis event (TGE) has yet to be announced. The $PIPE token will be launched through the Metaplex Genesis protocol, which has been successfully utilized by other projects in the past. In a significant development, a recent token sale on Coinlist raised $300 million worth of $PIPE, accounting for 3% of the total supply. This sale offered two vesting schedules, with immediate unlocks at a fully diluted valuation (FDV) of $250 million and a one-year vesting option at an FDV of $200 million. As interest in decentralized infrastructure solutions grows, particularly those leveraging the Solana ecosystem, the upcoming public launch of Firestarter Storage could significantly impact the demand for $PIPE among traders and investors. Additionally, Cboe's new listing requirements for cryptocurrency ETFs may further enhance the regulatory landscape, potentially allowing for a Solana ETF approval as early as September 17, signaling a maturing blockchain service environment.

DePIN, or Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks, represents a groundbreaking approach at the intersection of blockchain technology and physical assets. In this model, a provider manages a physical asset while middleware software facilitates the interaction between that asset and the blockchain. This software is responsible for collecting real-time data on the asset's activity and transmitting it to a decentralized network. The blockchain protocol then acts as an autonomous coordinator, distributing demand among providers and calculating token-based rewards based on their performance. This incentivizes providers to optimize their underutilized resources, transforming idle capacity into productive infrastructure. DePIN projects typically fall into two categories: Physical Resource Networks (PRNs) and Digital Resource Networks (DRNs). PRNs rely on geolocation and offer non-fungible resources tied to specific locations, often related to mobile technologies or energy systems. In contrast, DRNs provide computing power or storage that is location-agnostic and interchangeable. The DePIN model is already making significant impacts across various industries, with notable use cases including wireless connectivity through Helium, decentralized cloud storage via Arweave, and smart energy grids with Arcreen. Prominent DePIN projects such as Filecoin, Helium, and Render exemplify the potential of this innovative framework. Filecoin, a decentralized data storage platform, allows users to store data across a distributed network, with dynamic pricing that incentivizes miners to maximize their storage capacity. Helium provides a decentralized wireless network that offers low-cost internet access through user-operated hotspots, rewarding miners with HNT tokens. Render connects creators with unused GPU power, facilitating visual content creation and rewarding providers in RENDER tokens. These projects illustrate how DePIN is reshaping industries by leveraging decentralized networks to optimize resource utilization.

The Helium network has recently emerged as a significant player in the Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) sector, boasting a remarkable increase in daily active users (DAU). As of July 15, 2025, Helium recorded over 1.16 million DAUs, surpassing the combined DAUs of Ethereum, Toncoin, and Arbitrum. This surge in user engagement is attributed to Helium's innovative approach to providing wireless coverage through a network of user-owned Hotspots, which rewards participants with cryptocurrency. The DePIN market cap is currently around $19.2 billion, with Helium standing as the 9th largest network at a valuation of approximately $669 million. The growth of the Helium network has been further supported by its transition to the Solana ecosystem, allowing for seamless scalability and enhanced performance. With around 100,000 mobile hotspots in operation, Helium facilitates the transfer of 36.7 TB of data daily, primarily in the United States. This unique infrastructure not only addresses real-world connectivity issues but also fosters organic growth through community involvement, positioning Helium as a leading contender in the DePIN landscape. In terms of market performance, the price of HNT has gained bullish momentum, reflecting the overall recovery in the cryptocurrency market, particularly following Bitcoin's recent rally. Currently trading at approximately $2.96, HNT has seen a 32% increase in the past two weeks. Technical analysis suggests that HNT is on the verge of a macro bullish breakout, with potential targets reaching up to $4.3. As the Helium network continues to expand its user base and enhance its infrastructure, the outlook for HNT remains optimistic, making it a noteworthy project in the evolving blockchain space.

The recent collaboration between Helium (HNT) and AT&T marks a significant milestone for decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN) tokens. Announced in April, this partnership integrates Helium's community-built wireless hotspots into AT&T's network, highlighting three essential trends: the scalability of decentralized wireless infrastructure, the strategic advantages of tokenized incentives, and enhanced regulatory clarity for blockchain networks. For investors, this convergence presents a prime opportunity to capitalize on HNT's undervalued potential and the growth trajectory of the broader DePIN sector. AT&T's endorsement of Helium's network, which boasts over 93,000 active hotspots across the U.S. and Mexico, signifies a strong validation of DePIN's real-world applicability. This partnership addresses critical challenges faced by traditional telecom, such as cost efficiency and coverage gaps. By utilizing Helium's low-power hotspots, AT&T can reduce capital expenditures by 40% compared to conventional cell towers, while also improving coverage in underserved areas. The seamless integration allows AT&T subscribers to connect automatically to Helium's Wi-Fi, enhancing user experience and demonstrating the effectiveness of this strategic rollout. Moreover, the SEC's recent dismissal of its investigation into HNT tokens, coupled with a shift towards viewing DePIN tokens as functional utilities, marks a turning point for the sector. Helium's proactive engagement with regulators sets a precedent for transparency, contrasting with traditional crypto projects. Currently trading at $3.04, HNT presents an attractive investment opportunity, especially with the potential for significant growth in hotspot deployment and carrier partnerships. As the DePIN revolution gains momentum, the Helium-AT&T partnership serves as a blueprint for the future of decentralized infrastructure, making HNT a compelling choice for investors looking to enter this evolving market.