FreedomFi, the open 5G company, and Helium, a pioneer in decentralized wireless networks, this week announced a partnership that will help mobile network operators (MNOs) accelerate their 5G Coverage using FreedomFi Gateways, a consumer-deployed connectivity device that pairs with 5G antennas.
The new FreedomFi Gateways were designed to interoperate with the Helium Network, which enables gateway hosts to mine HNT, the native cryptocurrency of the Helium Network, by providing 5G cellular coverage. FreedomFi Gateways are available for pre-order effective immediately and are expected to ship in the third quarter of 2021.
FreedomFi Gateways will run a combination of Magma open source 5G software and the open source Helium blockchain in a single device, making it possible for hosts to receive a direct economic stake in the 5G networks they power. The network will utilize CBRS spectrum band that has been made available by the FCC in January of 2020. Helium’s unique reward structure paired with accessible, inexpensive CBRS small cells create a powerful mechanism for consumers and businesses alike to accelerate 5G coverage.
The new 5G network will roll out to select cities in the U.S. throughout the course of 2021. It is expected to expand into other countries and cover a variety of spectrum bands in the following years.
Boris Renski, CEO at FreedomFi
FreedomFi Gateways are the perfect way to augment the existing capacity of macro-cell tower operators. We’re able to use CBRS small cells in urban areas to rapidly add density to the network at no expense to the operators. Our consumer-first approach is an exciting telecom innovation.
Amir Haleem, Helium CEO and co-founder
FreedomFi's approach to deploying 5G networks, based on open source and CBRS shared spectrum, makes it an order of magnitude less expensive and easier to install a 5G access point than traditional cell towers. Using a blockchain-based incentive model, FreedomFi and Helium are pioneering an entirely new way to deploy 5G networks.
