Helium Network releases strong Q4 2024 report, returns spotlight to DePIN

Messari, a crypto research firm, just published data titled the “State of Helium Q4 2024,” which provides quantitative metrics and qualitative insights into Helium Network’s growth, adoption, and operational developments in the last quarter of 2024. 

The report curated by Messari provides valuable insights into Helium’s growth, adoption, and developments over a period of four months, focusing on DePIN project’s expansion in mobile and IoT network capabilities.

Helium Network finished 2024 with a strong Q4 performance

According to the data, the last quarter of 2024 saw the Helium Network transfer over 576 TB of offloaded data, marking a 555% increase quarter-over-quarter.

It revealed that by the end of Q4, Helium Mobile was serving over 124,000 subscribers on its unlimited talk and text messaging service, reflecting a 7% growth from the previous quarter. That value is now up to over 150,000, according to an update from Messari from days ago.

Helium mobile signup stats
Helium mobile signup stats. Source: Helium Network

As far as hotspot expansion is concerned, Helium’s mobile hotspots increased by 14% to 24,800, while IoT hotspots grew by 20% to 32,900 since the migration to Solana.

Nova Labs, a Helium Network associate, tested hotspots in partnership with Telefonica in Mexico, a collaboration that represents an interaction between a decentralized network and a major telecom company.

In October, it was announced that Ameriband’s 100,000+ Data-Only Hotspots joined the Helium Network, significantly expanding its coverage across the U.S.

Helium also implemented HIP 138 to unify its token structure under HNT to reduce complexity and lower barriers to entry for new participants. The change involves redirecting 70% of HNT emissions to the MOBILE subnetwork and 30% to the IOT subnetwork, adjusting rewards for network participants.

In November, Harvard Business School reportedly offered a case study on Helium in their strategy curriculum, and Helium was included in Coinbase’s COIN50, a benchmark representing the top 50 eligible digital assets.

This means eligible institutional and Coinbase Advanced users are able to trade the index via a COIN50 perpetual future on Coinbase’s international exchange.

The data is proof of Helium’s growing traction within the Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) sector, showcasing its ability to scale and also attract users and network providers.

Why Helium is considered a leader in DePIN

The data Messari cited in its report makes a strong case for Heium’s DePIN relevance. Helium is not the only project focused on global connectivity; however, it stands above all others as a leader, facilitating other projects in the DePIN space.

Helium’s merits are already apparent, and it has been front and center in DePIN discussions at reputable crypto events including Token 2049, Breakpoint, or any of the DePIN events in Singapore.

One thing that makes the project stand out is its role as an enabler for other DePIN projects, such as DIMO, Hivemapper and WeatherXM, which use Helium’s IOT Network.

Another differentiator is Helium’s primary focus on meeting demand rather than fleshing out supply. Helium’s flexibility in carrier offload also makes it a valuable partner for high-demand venues where traditional carriers often struggle to meet data needs.

This way, Helium gets to work alongside carriers while incentivizing all parties involved. Aside from that Helium’s blockchain offers tokenomics that are simple but effective.

Every time the network is used, Data Credits (DCs) are burned, and this directly reduces the supply of HNT, creating a natural demand mechanism.

Still, if Helium Network is to maintain its competitive advantage, it must not compromise on scaling, capital efficiency, and ability to support composability across multiple networks, such as IOT, MOBILE, and ENERGY.

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Robinhood Launches Prediction Markets Hub For US Retail Investors

Key Takeaways:

  • Robinhood debuts a dedicated area for trading contracts based on future events.
  • The platform covers topics from economic shifts to sports tournaments.
  • Contracts are executed through a regulated exchange ensuring oversight.
  • The move broadens retail access to market instruments traditionally reserved for institutions.

Robinhood Derivatives, LLC announced on Monday it is launching a dedicated prediction markets hub through KalshiEX LLC, a CFTC-regulated exchange.

In a blog post the trading firm said, the new hub allows customers to trade on the outcomes of major global events, merging the worlds of finance, news, politics, sports, and culture in one dynamic platform.

At launch, the hub will offer contracts on two marquee events: determining the upper bound of the target fed funds rate in May and predicting the winners of the upcoming men’s and women’s College Basketball Tournaments.

Prediction Markets Hub in Compliance With Existing Regs

“We believe in the power of prediction markets and think they play an important role at the intersection of news, economics, politics, sports, and culture,” said JB Mackenzie, VP and GM of Futures and International at Robinhood.

“We’re excited to offer our customers a new way to participate in prediction markets and look forward to doing so in compliance with existing regulations,” he added.

By using a regulated framework, the hub looks to provide greater liquidity, transparency, and price discovery—all hallmarks of traditional financial market structures, explains Robinhood.

This approach is designed to offer a safer trading environment, where the excitement of speculative trading is balanced by regulatory oversight.

To make sure compliance is in place and maintain market integrity, the prediction markets hub will operate through KalshiEX LLC, a CFTC-regulated exchange.

Robinhood said it has been in close communication with the CFTC over the past several weeks, discussing its commitment to regulatory adherence.

This partnership seeks to legitimize the trading of prediction market contracts and open up new avenues for retail investors to engage with financial assets that were only to institutional investors, said the trading platform.

The company has also recently released a policy paper detailing its supportive stance on emerging asset classes like prediction markets, emphasizing its drive to democratize financial participation.

The new prediction markets contracts will begin rolling out today and will soon be available to all customers.

Robinhood Says SEC Has Dismissed Crypto Investigation

In February, Robinhood announced that the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had closed its investigation without enforcement action, effectively ending concerns over alleged sales of securities on the platform.

The SEC initially launched its probe into Robinhood Crypto last spring, notifying Robinhood’s digital asset branch via a Wells Notice that it would likely face regulatory consequences for allegedly selling securities.

Charting New Market Territories

The introduction of this prediction hub signals a subtle yet notable shift in how retail investors view market participation.

It encourages a broader perspective, inviting individuals to see financial trading as an extension of everyday decision-making.

By offering a platform for diverse events, it paves the way for fresh insights into market behavior.

The regulated structure provides a safe space for exploring new ideas while maintaining a disciplined trading environment.

This move sets the stage for investors to discover untapped opportunities through a more expansive view of global trends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do prediction markets differ from conventional trading instruments?

A prediction market sets prices based on the consensus for future events. Unlike traditional securities that value company performance, these contracts mirror collective probability estimates and public expectations.

What are the primary risks for retail investors in prediction markets?

Retail investors face rapid contract price swings and unexpected regulatory changes that can alter trading conditions. High volatility and fluctuating liquidity may lead to losses if market sentiment shifts suddenly.

How might successful prediction markets influence broader investment strategies?

A thriving prediction market can offer fresh sentiment data that complements traditional analysis. Investors may adjust risk profiles and diversify portfolios by integrating these collective forecasts into their decision process.

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