LITTLETON, Colo. and
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- DISH
Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) is partnering with Helium Inc.,
a pioneer in decentralized unlicensed wireless networks, to support
open source and low-cost wireless connectivity ecosystems. In
addition, DISH will be the first major carrier to utilize the
Helium Network's unique blockchain-based incentive model with
customers deploying their own 5G CBRS-based hotspots.
The Helium Network is a consumer-deployed, decentralized
wireless infrastructure that produces and delivers data-forwarding
hotspots. By installing a hotspot in the home or office, a customer
can provide and/or strengthen 5G wireless coverage using CBRS
spectrum. In return, a customer will earn rewards in the form of
$HNT, a Helium network-based token. Powered by the company's
blockchain, the Helium Network is creating a new wireless economy
through a breakthrough economic model known as the burn-and-mint
equilibrium (BNM).
DISH is no stranger to the world of blockchain. In 2014,
it became the largest company to begin accepting Bitcoin, as
well as the first subscription-based TV provider to accept the
currency. The company also went on to add Bitcoin Cash as a
payment option in 2018, and the following year, GoChain added DISH
as a signing node on its public network. Additionally, DISH and
Input Output Global, the technology company behind the Cardano
blockchain, announced a partnership agreement to build a variety of
blockchain-based services together.
"Blockchain technologies hold tremendous potential for the
wireless industry, and Helium is among the leading innovators who
have demonstrated that the blockchain incentive works by creating
the largest decentralized, unlicensed wireless network across the
U.S.," said Chris Ergen, head of the
DISH Office of Innovation. "As we build out DISH's 5G
facilities-based network, we will continue to look for innovative
technologies and business models that complement or support our
wireless business."
Helium decentralized wireless network coverage has rapidly grown
to over 240,000 LoRA-based hotspots across 21,000 cities in
North America, Europe and Asia. There are more than 500,000 additional
hotspots currently back-ordered and over 50 new manufacturers
waiting to be approved to build and sell Helium-compatible
hardware.
"Using Helium Network's technology and blockchain-based
incentive model, DISH is a pioneer in supporting an entirely new
way to connect people and things," said Amir Haleem, CEO and co-founder, Helium. "The
CBRS-based 5G hotspots will be deployed by customers, creating
opportunities for users, partners and the entire ecosystem."
About Helium Inc.
Co-founded by Shawn Fanning and
Amir Haleem in 2013, Helium is
building the world's first decentralized wireless network to
simplify connecting devices to the Internet by rewarding anyone to
become a network operator. CEO Amir
Haleem comes from an extensive background in triple-A video
games. Helium is backed by GV (formerly Google Ventures), Khosla
Ventures, Union Square Ventures, Multicoin Capital, FirstMark,
Marc Benioff, Shawn Fanning and other top VCs. The Network is
live in more than 21,000 cities globally. More information can be
found at helium.com.
About DISH
DISH Network Corporation is a connectivity company. Since 1980,
it has served as a disruptive force, driving innovation and value
on behalf of consumers. Through its subsidiaries, the company
provides television entertainment and award-winning technology to
millions of customers with its satellite DISH TV and streaming
SLING TV services. In 2020, the company became a nationwide U.S.
wireless carrier through the acquisition of Boost Mobile. DISH
continues to innovate in wireless, building the nation's first
virtualized, standalone 5G broadband network. DISH Network
Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) is a Fortune 200 company.
For company information, visit about.dish.com.
View original
content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dish-partners-with-helium-to-leverage-the-helium-networks-blockchain-model-using-cbrs-spectrum-301408662.html
SOURCE DISH Network Corporation