Jul 13, 2022
What you need to know about HIP 52 and HIP 53
The People’s Network is becoming the Network of Networks
The Helium network currently exists to provide LoRaWAN coverage to small, low-powered, low data usage sensors and devices. There are nearly 900,000 Hotspots spread across the globe that are rewarded HNT (Helium Network Token) for providing coverage and transmitting device data.
HIP 51, recently approved by the community, creates a new framework by which Helium becomes a “network of networks”. This means multiple wireless standards (e.g. 5G, WiFi) and complementary networks (VPN) can be built on top of the Helium Network.
HIP 52 and HIP 53 were introduced to bridge Helium’s existing network protocols, LoRaWAN and 5G onto this new, modular network structure by creating the initial IOT and MOBILE subDAOs, respectively. SubDAOs are self-governing communities that are built on top of the Helium network. The modular design allows Helium to address the differences between network protocols and adapt rewards distribution based on protocol’s unique needs. For example, while current LoRaWAN Hotspots are rewarded for data transfers, the amount of data a LoRaWAN sensor uses is usually measured in bytes. In comparison, a 5G device using a 5G Hotspot will use vastly more data, measured in megabytes or even gigabytes.
To ensure the distribution of rewards is fair, the new token system will take this into account and data credits will be purchased at different rates depending on the type of usage.
- 5G data transfers cost $0.50 per GB.
- IOT data transfers will remain priced at $0.00001 for a 24 byte packet.
Each subDAO will have its own token, token emissions schedule, reward activities, and governance set initially in HIP 52 for the IOT subDAO and HIP 53 for the MOBILE subDAO. The IOT and MOBILE tokens will be backed by and redeemable for HNT at a rate based on the HNT in each subDAO’s treasury. SubDAO treasuries will be funded by HNT through the Helium DAO in accordance with HIP 51.
What do I have to do?
Not much! You can continue to mine on or use the Helium network as you’ve always done. Over time, hotspot manufacturers will update their apps to show the new tokens your hotspots automatically earn. If you prefer HNT, you will be able to easily redeem them for HNT in the app. As the Helium network continues to decentralize, the functionality of the Helium Hotspot app will move over to these hotspots apps built by your hotspot’s manufacturer(s). The secure wallet functions previously in the Helium Hotspot app will be moved over to the new Helium Wallet app (links below). Sign into the new Helium Wallet app with the same secret 12 word recovery phrase as your Helium Hotspot app to access the same wallet.
Important Reminder!
Your secret crypto recovery phrase (aka “seed phrase”) is like your bank account username and password. Anyone who has it can move your HNT around freely and irreversibly. Back it up correctly, and never enter it into any untrusted apps or websites. Do not share your phrase with anyone as scams are unfortunately common across the entire crypto landscape.
What’s happening with LoRaWAN?
Helium was originally built on the LoRaWAN standard and that network will continue to be a focus area for the Foundation and community. The addition of other protocols only adds to the value proposition that the Helium Network offers for other services. Helium is the largest LoRaWAN network in the world and will continue to grow, providing as much global coverage as possible. LoRaWAN participants will start to earn the IOT token.
Helium is continuing to sign new LoRaWAN roaming partners, see https://www.helium.com/ecosystem “Roaming” to read about them.
5G and all other Helium network protocols will drive demand for usage of HNT which is the coin for purchases of network usage for all Helium networks. “LoRaWAN, 5G, Wifi and more.”
Will my current Hotspot still earn HNT?
LoRaWAN Hotspot will continue to earn HNT until the Phase I completion of HIP 51, estimated for August of this year. Then, they will start earning IOT tokens instead, as part of the IOT subDAO. IOT tokens can be redeemed for HNT in your wallet, if you so choose to do so.
Can I earn both MOBILE and IOT?
Helium 5G Hotspots are also LoRaWAN Hotspots and can earn IOT if set up for LoRa but only 5G-capable Hotspots with a 5G radio fully installed and registered with a SAS can earn MOBILE.
Do I need to use the new Helium Wallet App for the new Tokens?
Yes, the new wallet will support HNT, IOT and MOBILE. Helium Hotspot apps produced by hotspot manufacturers will rely on the new Helium Wallet App to sign transactions for your wallet. In the future, the old Helium Hotspot app will only support original Helium-branded hotspots. You can find links to the new Helium Wallet App for your device below. Sign in with the same secret 12 word recovery phrase as your Helium Hotspot app to access the same wallet.
Reminder: Your secret crypto recovery phrase is like your bank account username and password. Anyone who has it can move your HNT around freely and irreversibly. Back it up correctly and never enter it into any untrusted apps or websites.
Where can I or anyone else buy/sell MOBILE and IOT?
You will be able to redeem MOBILE or IOT to HNT in the Helium Wallet, since MOBILE and IOT are backed by HNT in each subDAO’s treasury. Exchanges may choose to support these tokens as well, in the future.
What will happen to the HNT I have already mined?
The HNT you have earned will remain your HNTs and will always be accessible in your wallet. Nothing will happen to it. HNT remains the core token of the Helium network, and network users still have to burn HNT to use the network.
What will I need to do if I own an existing LoRaWAN Hotspot?
Nothing, your Hotspot will earn HNT up to the changeover date and then will earn IOT.
In preparation for this and the move to the manufacturer-specific apps for hotspot management, you can start to migrate to the new Helium Wallet App linked above to manage your wallet.
Is it true that the IOT subDAO will only get 1.2% of HNT?
No, LoRaWAN Hotspots are expected to earn over 90% of HNT allocated to subDAOs in the near term, even after MOBILE/5G launches. The HNT rewarded to each subDAO is dependent on each subDAO’s DAO utility score, as set by HIP 51.
What do I need to do to my 5G Hotspot to earn MOBILE?
Helium 5G Hotspots will need to have a minimum internet bandwidth requirement and a small cell radio attached to receive the initial MOBILE rewards. The small cell must be registered in a Spectrum Access System (SAS) and have received a spectrum grant from the SAS in order to be rewarded. Once activated and registered in the SAS, small cells will automatically receive spectrum grants when applicable.
Once data transfer and Proof of Coverage rewards are implemented for the MOBILE subDAO, 5G Hotspots will also be eligible to earn those.
Learn more by reading through the Helium 5G mining documentation.
Can I upgrade my LoRaWAN Hotspot to 5G?
Some vendors will be offering upgrade kits to add 5G capability if the Hotspot is technically capable.
Why is 5G (MOBILE) only available in the United States?
The United States has opened up a 3550–3700 MHz spectrum band for public use called CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service). This is the spectrum that Helium 5G Hotspots use.
At the moment, the United States is the only country that has open 5G spectrum. Other countries do not have legislation implementing something similar to CBRS for public use. As a result, Helium 5G Hotspots are not able to be set up in those countries. We hope that the Helium 5G network will help make the case to governing bodies around the world for opening up spectrum to the public.
What options do I have to earn MOBILE if I live outside of the United States?
For those in countries without CBRS, another technology called WiFi 6e mobile offloading is being developed to provide many of the same functions as Helium 5G but with a reduced range.
How can I plan where to place a 5G Hotspot and CBRS Radio?
Helium 5G hotspots will soon earn rewards for passing cellular phone data and for covering wide areas through Proof of Coverage. The highest earning hotspots will likely be placed in areas with lots of people using their phones, either in areas where other cellular providers struggle to access (e.g. indoor areas) or in outdoor high traffic where the highly competitive pricing of the Helium network makes it a cheaper option for MVNO cell providers to preferentially send cellular data over Helium. Traditional cellular carriers will struggle the most to provide indoor coverage — which is where Helium can swoop in — but 5G hotspots with outdoor coverage may be more likely to be mapped for Proof of Coverage rewards.
