Discovery Mapping with Helium Mobile: Get Outside, Build Network Coverage, and Earn Rewards While You Do It

Helium Mobile and the Helium Mobile Network represent a revolutionary, community-powered approach to building a new kind of telecommunications network and phone plan — one that empowers users to create their own coverage, build and own their own network, and earn rewards for their contributions. Discovery Mapping is our way of empowering Helium Mobile subscribers to actively participate in growing and improving the Helium Mobile Network in return for rewards. 

Unlike big telecommunications and tech companies that can own, access, and sell user data, Helium Mobile subscribers control the data they share or don’t — and can get compensated for sharing useful data. 

How Does Discovery Mapping Work?

Helium Mobile subscribers who wish to participate in Discovery Mapping can opt-in to share their location data as they go about their day. If users meet a certain threshold, determined by mapping at least 40 eligible “hexes” (approximately a total distance of 1 mile) in a day, they are eligible for crypto rewards.

This data isn’t collected for the sake of collecting data — Helium Mobile uses this data to create real-time mapping of the Helium Network coverage in order to identify areas where expansion of the Network would benefit our subscribers. The information our subscribers share guides the community to build a better, stronger network, and helps us become a better service provider.

At the end of the day, by knowing where coverage is needed, we can help the community build a stronger Helium Network and revolutionize wireless access. And our subscribers can earn crypto rewards just by getting outside and taking a walk.

And of course, if this isn’t for you, not to worry — Discovery Mapping is an opt-in feature for those who want an easy way to help build the Network and earn rewards.

The Basics Principles Discovery Mapping

• User Participation: Helium Mobile subscribers can opt-in to participate in Discovery Mapping by enabling a feature in their mobile app.

• Data Collection: As users go about their daily lives, their phones periodically collect anonymous network data. This includes information about signal strength, coverage areas, and network quality.

• Mapping the Network: The collected data is then used to create detailed, real-time maps of Helium Network coverage.

• Identifying Gaps: By analyzing this data, we can identify areas where coverage is weak or non-existent, allowing for targeted network expansion through incentives like “Boosted Hexes”. Boosted Hexes are locations where additional coverage is likely to add the most value to Helium Mobile subscribers. Deployments in boosted locations are eligible to earn extra rewards.

• Optimizing Performance: The data also helps in fine-tuning the existing network, improving signal quality and overall performance.

I’m In! How Do I Start Discovery Mapping?

To enable Discovery Mapping, navigate to the “Mapping” tab using the bottom menu. Turn on the toggle next to “Enable Discovery Mapping”. You will now be asked to accept or deny our location usage policy, which states that “Helium Mobile collects location data when Mobile Mapping is enabled even when the app is closed or not in use.” Tap “Accept” to continue.

Once you enable Mapping, you’re good to go — your data will help us make informed decisions about where to promote network growth for our subscribers.

When you’re ready to claim your rewards, simply navigate to the “Mapping” tab using the bottom menu and tap the “Earnings” tab. View the “Claim” button in the middle of the screen to see how many MOBILE rewards you’ve earned so far. To claim your rewards, select “Claim” to begin the claiming process. Once the transaction completes, the claim dialog will close and you'll be all good to go! You should now see your new MOBILE token balance in the “Tokens” tab of the “Wallet” page.

Building The People’s Network, Together

Discovery mapping represents a shift towards more dynamic, user-driven network planning. The process engages users and ensures that network improvements are focused on areas where subscribers actually need coverage, rather than relying on theoretical models. 

By empowering subscribers to help build a better network, and earn rewards for the work they do and the data they share to do so, we’re creating a better, fairer mobile service for the people. Thanks for your help!