The remaining crypto skeptics out there are quick to say "That's all well and good, but what does that coin actually do in the real world?" Well here's an answer that should satisfy even the most cynical crypto skeptic: How about powering the Internet of Things with decentralized, long-range WiFi? That's exactly the real-world use-case Helium (CRYPTO: HNT) is trying to make.
Helium now is the 46th-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, clocking in at about $3 billion. The goal of the Helium network is to facilitate communications and connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT) and the devices connected to it. Individuals can install Helium routers or, "hot spots," at their homes or offices and earn HNT for providing connectivity. Helium's parent company points out that connecting to cellular WiFi can be expensive and connecting to a store or business's WiFi can be impractical, so it aims to provide connectivity for IoT-enabled devices. The Helium hot spots provide a long-range form of WiFi called LongFi that reportedly reaches 200 times farther than a traditional WiFi hot spot, or as much as 10 miles depending on environmental conditions.
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For further details see:
Helium Blockchain? A Crypto Best Buy?