Decentralizing telecom infrastructure is not just a technological shift — it’s a financial opportunity for both small businesses and telecom giants, says Frank Mong, Chief Operating Officer at Nova Labs, the team behind Helium Network, a decentralized wireless protocol powered by blockchain.
The Web3 Revolution in Telecom
In a recent industry discussion, Mong emphasized that Web3 is reshaping how wireless infrastructure is built and monetized. Instead of relying solely on expensive centralized networks built by telecom giants, Web3 models allow businesses and individuals to contribute infrastructure and earn revenue.
“Decentralization creates new economic incentives that were never possible under the traditional telecom model,” Mong stated.
Small Businesses Can Become Micro-Operators
One of the biggest advantages of decentralized telecom networks, like Helium, is that small businesses can deploy their own hotspots or wireless nodes and earn crypto rewards for providing coverage and bandwidth.
- Local coffee shops, warehouses, delivery services, and even ride-share drivers are becoming part of the network.
- By hosting hotspots, they earn tokens while enabling local connectivity, such as IoT sensor data transmission or mobile roaming.
“It’s a passive revenue model for small businesses and entrepreneurs,” Mong explained.
This levels the playing field by allowing smaller players to participate in a market traditionally dominated by multi-billion dollar telecom companies.
Telecom Giants Benefit Too
Rather than being displaced, telecom operators stand to benefit significantly. By offloading some infrastructure costs and tapping into decentralized networks for last-mile coverage, telcos can improve both coverage and profitability.
- Infrastructure sharing reduces capital expenditures (CapEx).
- Dynamic scalability allows carriers to expand into rural or underserved regions more affordably.
- Carriers can integrate with decentralized networks like Helium through partnerships or roaming agreements.
“This model offers carriers a chance to be more agile and cost-efficient,” Mong added.
Web3 Infrastructure: Built for the Future
According to Nova Labs, the Helium Mobile service is already live in the U.S., combining cellular + decentralized coverage. The company recently partnered with T-Mobile to strengthen its hybrid service.
This real-world deployment is proof that decentralization in telecom isn’t a concept — it’s a working model.
A New Era in Connectivity
The decentralization of telecom represents a paradigm shift — not just in technology, but in who benefits from connectivity.
Small businesses gain new income streams, while telecom giants reduce costs and extend service — all driven by Web3 innovation.