Helium Partners With San Jose to bring Internet Access to Low-Income Neighborhoods

San Jose contemplating Helium

Read the original article by: Andrew Hayward

Helium is a blockchain-based internet provider, but instead of using towers to supply its service, a network of users who all connect to make up the network within a given area. The users all have set up Helium devices in their homes, and, in return, they earn HNT tokens, the token can then be converted into a variety of Crypto or fiat currencies.

Today the startup announced a partnership, that will see more than 1,300 homes in the San Jose area, receive a $120 gift card, to help low-income families pay for internet, all being funded by Helium mining. This program will not see Helium itself providing the internet, the company infrastructure isn’t there just yet but the city of San Jose has bought 20 Helium Nodes.

These Nodes will be operated by small businesses and volunteers, around the city, and will mine HNT by way of sharing connectivity with other nearby devices. The funds produced by mining will fund the payment made to eligible families. It is disappointing that the internet provided will not be coming from HNT’s network, but it is a great test run for how future municipal projects can be funded.