Nova Labs Signs Deal With Wireless Giant T-Mobile To Launch 'Helium Mobile'

Nova Labs, the firm responsible for the development of crypto-powered wireless network Helium, has signed a five-year deal with cellular giant T-Mobile and will provide nationwide 5G coverage for its subscribers.

The deal with T-Mobile was signed as the firm is eyeing the debut of its "Helium Mobile," which has been described as "the world's first crypto-powered mobile service that will enable subscribers to earn crypto rewards for using the network while saving money," Nova Labs said in an official announcement Tuesday.

Although the terms of the agreement were not disclosed, Nova Labs confirmed that its "industry-first" Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) collaboration with T-Mobile would allow it to offer mobile-related products and services to users of both networks.

"Nova Labs is committed to building out a decentralized network. Our new agreement with T-Mobile gives our subscribers nationwide 5G coverage and enables us to offer mobile products and services that use both networks," said Amir Haleem, CEO of Nova Labs and founder of Helium.

Interestingly, in an interview with CoinDesk, Boris Renski, general manager of wireless at Nova Labs, revealed the firm will leverage the nationwide network of T-Mobile to improve the services and provide 5G coverage to Helium Mobile users.

Renski said the goal of Nova Labs was not to replace large mobile operators with its network. Rather, it wanted to build "a network that could be a complement to the existing macro network of the operators," he said.

"Through the Nova Labs service, Helium Mobile subscribers can opt-in to earn MOBILE token rewards for sharing data about coverage quality and helping identify Helium dead spot locations nationwide and save money on cellular data plans," revealed Nova Labs in its announcement. "Commercial service is expected to launch into beta in Q1 2023 and will provide the U.S. nationwide 5G coverage."