Helium has launched HeliumOS, an integrated operating system designed for businesses operating in the connectivity sector, including carriers, mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), network operators, internet service providers (ISPs) and consumer brands. The platform is designed to bring together the infrastructure, operational tools, analytics and connectivity capabilities required to launch, operate and scale wireless businesses. Helium said the platform addresses challenges faced by network operators and connectivity providers, particularly as demand for wireless services continues to increase while traditional network infrastructure remains expensive to build and maintain.
According to Helium, network operators spend nearly $200 billion annually building and maintaining wireless infrastructure, while around 70% to 80% of mobile usage takes place indoors, where traditional macro networks can experience weaker performance and operators have limited visibility. HeliumOS is designed to make better use of existing Wi-Fi connectivity by providing operators with greater visibility and control over available networks. The platform also addresses the fragmented operational systems businesses face when launching connectivity services, bringing functions such as subscriber management, billing, SIM activation, provisioning, carrier integrations and customer support into a connected platform.
HeliumOS is natively integrated with the Helium Network, which currently spans tens of thousands of access points across the United States and is expanding into Mexico and Brazil. The integration allows carriers to use distributed wireless infrastructure to route subscribers more efficiently and potentially reduce pressure on network costs as data demand grows. Helium said its network already operates at carrier scale, serving millions of users daily and supporting Wi-Fi offload for major carriers. The platform includes several components, including a Carrier Enablement Platform for business and operational functions, HeliumAI for no-code access to network data and analytics, and WOX, or Wi-Fi Offload Experience, which provides real-time session control across converged wireless networks.
Another component of HeliumOS is its Wi-Fi Toolkit, which can be integrated into mobile applications to keep customers automatically connected across locations such as stores, venues and campuses without requiring passwords. The platform also provides Helium Network integration for businesses seeking to expand carrier-grade coverage through decentralized wireless infrastructure. HeliumOS is already live with Affiniti Ventures, the company that owns and operates Noble Mobile and Helium Mobile. Helium CEO Mario Di Dio said the future of wireless connectivity will increasingly involve distributed infrastructure and convergence between cellular, satellite and Wi-Fi networks, with intelligent routing across available networks. The launch of HeliumOS positions the company to provide connectivity businesses with a unified platform for managing these different network resources while giving operators greater control over network performance, subscriber services and connectivity delivery.
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