A mobile service provider just launched something that seems unreal: a free phone plan.
Helium Mobile’s Zero plan — currently available via waitlist — offers 3 gigabytes of data, 300 texts, and 100 minutes per month for $0. Its more robust, paid plans top out at $30/month.
Coco Tang, general manager of Helium Mobile Subscribers, called the offer “a movement to make wireless service accessible, affordable, and rewarding for everyone,” via a release.
For reference, the average US phone bill was $144 in 2024, per CNBC Select.
So, how is Helium so cheap?
Maintaining network infrastructure is expensive, which is why the nation’s three big carriers — AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile — cost more than mobile virtual network operators (MVNO) like Mint Mobile or Republic Wireless, which buy wholesale data in bulk. Those bills average $77/month.
Helium operates as both an MVNO on T-Mobile’s network, as well as a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN), meaning its infrastructure isn’t controlled by a single entity, but multiple parties who contribute in exchange for blockchain rewards.
- Participants in the Helium Network use its Hotspot devices to share bandwidth in exchange for cryptocurrency. Helium cites 28k+ Hotspots across the US.
- Helium users earn Cloud Points by sharing anonymized location data (which it uses to assess coverage needs), referrals, and more. The points can be redeemed for gift cards, merch, or other rewards.
CEO Amir Haleem told Fierce Network that the model appeals to people who dislike traditional telco companies, want to earn tokens or save money, or are interested in expanding local networks.
OK, but is it sustainable?
Free and freemium phone plans have struggled in the past, but Helium is a major player in the DePIN space, hyped by crypto and blockchain enthusiasts.
Helium is confident in its hybrid model’s ability to keep prices low while subscribers expand its network, and has forged partnerships with Trackpac, a company for tracking things like packages and pets, and Telefónica, a multinational telecommunications company.
Helium’s free plan launched just this week, so time will tell. But for die-hard deal-seekers, free is free.
