Episode 206 - Helium - Decentralizing Connectivity: Building a Better Internet Through DePIN & Crypto Incentives.

Crypto Altruists: Real-World Stories of Social & Environmental Impact with Web3

For episode 206, we’re excited to welcome Mario Di Dio, GM of Network at Helium—a trailblazing DePIN project that’s redefining what decentralized infrastructure can look like at scale. From powering the world’s largest contiguous Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) to deploying a nationwide mobile offload strategy with industry partners, Helium is proving that blockchain can drive real-world, real-time value.

Powered by the Solana blockchain and a unique token-based incentive model, Helium is making it possible for everyday people to own a piece of the world’s wireless infrastructure.

We discuss:

• How one of the most successful, OG decentralized infrastructure projects in Web3 grew from grassroots origins to partnering with major industry giants.
• Why blockchain-based incentives are key to scaling wireless infrastructure—and how Helium’s Proof-of-Coverage unlocks real-world value creation at scale.
• And how Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) is building a more inclusive, resilient, and community-owned internet—flipping the connectivity model on its head.

--Key Takeaways--

📡 Decentralizing Connectivity Through Incentives: Traditional telecoms are top-down and profit-driven—but Helium flips the script. By leveraging blockchain and crypto incentives, Helium enables anyone to host a hotspot and earn rewards based on real data usage, creating a truly decentralized, community-powered network.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Community at the Core: Helium’s strength lies in its grassroots community. From working groups and forums to open governance and transparent updates, Helium empowers its members to shape the network’s future—together. It’s not just tech—it’s a movement.

🌍 Connectivity as a Human Right: Helium’s long-term vision is bold but powerful: a world where everyone, everywhere, can access fast, affordable internet. By building open infrastructure that anyone can contribute to, Helium is making that vision a reality.

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--Full shownotes with links available at--
www.cryptoaltruists.com/blog/crypto-altruists-episode-206-decentralizing-connectivity-building-a-better-internet-through-depin-crypto-incentives

Thank you to PIPE gDAO for sponsoring the Crypto Altruism podcast!

PIPE gDAO is leveraging blockchain for their University Real World Asset IP Launchpad that helps bring groundbreaking ideas from lab to market.

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--DISCLAIMER--
While we may discuss specific web3 projects or cryptocurrencies on this podcast, do not take any of this as investment advice and make sure to do your own research on potential investment opportunities, or any opportunity, before making an investment. We host a variety of guests on this podcast with the sole purpose of highlighting the social impact use cases of this technology. That being said, Crypto Altruism does not endorse any of these projects, and we recognize that, since this is an emerging sector, some may be operating in regulatory grey areas, and as such, we cannot confirm their legality in the jurisdictions in which they operate, especially as it pertains to decentralized finance protocols. So, before getting involved with any project, it’s important that you do your own research and confirm the legality of the project. More info at cryptoaltruists.com/disclaimer