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.
With nearly 100,000 active Hotspots, new partnerships reaching over 100 million subscribers, and a growing role in the global telecom landscape, Helium is no longer just a vision—it’s a movement. 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.
Whether you're curious about how Proof-of-Coverage works, what’s next for DePIN, or how to build bridges between Web2 and Web3, this episode is packed with insight on how decentralized networks are shaping the future of connectivity—and building a more inclusive internet along the
We discuss:
📡 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.
PIPE gDAO is leveraging blockchain for their University Real World Asset IP Launchpad that helps bring groundbreaking ideas from lab to market. By joining the Pipe Associate Network (aka PAN), associates can create a profile highlighting their skills, be notified of opportunities, and then contribute fractional work to pre-IPO companies in return for equity and tokens.
Check out their Linktree for links to all of their socials so you can get involved and join this growing community!
02:25 - To kick things off, I’d love to hear a bit about your personal journey. What first drew you to the world of Web3 and ultimately led you to join Helium? Was there a specific “Ah hah” moment?
05:05 - Helium has grown from a grassroots community network into a key partner with some of the biggest names in telecom. Can you take us back to the early days—what was the original vision, and did you ever imagine it scaling this far?
09:55 - Incentives are at the heart of Helium’s success—how does blockchain make this possible in a way that traditional infrastructure models can’t?
14:20 - What were the pivotal moments or decisions that helped Helium cross the chasm from community-driven experiment to real-world infrastructure player?
18:00 - Tell me more about your partnerships with large telecom providers, and how this impacts user experience.
24:45 - A strong community is essential in any Web3 project. What are some of the strategies you’ve used at Helium to build a strong decentralized community?
31:30 - From reducing the environmental impact of traditional cell tower infrastructure to enabling local communities to own a piece of the network—Helium is flipping the connectivity model on its head. How can Helium’s model lead to a more sustainable and inclusive internet?
34:45 - Helium is often cited as one of the flagship projects in the DePIN space. How do you define DePIN, and why do you think this category is gaining so much momentum right now?
38:35 - What’s your call to action for listeners, and what’s the best way form the to learn more and get involved in Helium’s network?
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While we may discuss specific web3 projects or cryptocurrencies on this podcast, please do not take any of this as investment advice, and please make sure to do your own research on potential investment opportunities, or any opportunity. 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 available HERE.
