The Decentralized Wireless Foundation Joins the LoRa Alliance

The Decentralized Wireless Foundation (DeWi), a non-profit Foundation focused on peer-to-peer, decentralized wireless innovation, and community steward of the globally distributed Helium Network, is pleased to announce it has formally joined the LoRa Alliance®. DeWi looks forward to contributing as an active member and working closely with other Alliance members to further the adoption and utility of LoRaWAN® technology and LoRaWAN networks.

The DeWi is a non-profit entity serving as the organizing and governing body for distributed stakeholders of the Helium Network. The Helium Network is built on a new, novel blockchain that provides an economic incentive for any individual or organization to provide open, decentralized wireless coverage, and be rewarded for doing so. It has made the Helium Network the ​​largest, contiguous, public wireless network in the world. As of today, more than 160,000 Helium-enabled LoRaWAN Hotspots are deployed by the Helium community in almost 15,000 cities across more than 120 countries. Over 1 million Helium-compatible Hotspots are currently on backorder to support the growing number of organizations relying on the wireless coverage provided by the Helium Network for their Internet of Things (IoT) and sensor applications. More information about providing coverage and $HNT can be found at helium.com/mine.

DeWi’s primary role is to oversee governance of the Helium blockchain and educate the public about the benefits of peer-to-peer, decentralized wireless networks. Since inception, the DeWi has run an open governance process with all network stakeholders that includes monthly community calls and a public repository of all proposed network changes referred to as Helium Improvement Proposals (HIPs). This framework has produced many advancements including improvements to network scalability and stability, and an open process for 3rd party manufacturers to participate in the network. As of today more than 15 manufacturers are producing LoRaWAN gateways for the Helium Network with an additional 50 manufacturers in queue pending checks on radio compliance and hardware audit. 

How the Helium Network integrates with LoRaWAN will be critical to both end-users and other LoRaWAN network operators who buy data packets transmitted over the Helium Network. DeWi is launching a LoRaWAN focused committee under its own governance framework to ensure consistency of standards and practices. This new committee’s focus is to help steer the Helium Network’s LoRaWAN infrastructure towards maximizing value for the LoRaWAN community at large. It’s mandate will be to manage channel plans per country, network load, blockchain integrations, and regulatory compliance. Several LoRa Alliance members have already expressed interest in participating.

DeWi, which oversees the decentralized community building the Helium Network, is a strong addition to the LoRa Alliance. By joining, it will drive a massive increase in the reach and availability of LoRaWAN networks––it is yet another hyperscaler backing LoRaWAN­,” said Donna Moore, CEO and chairwoman of the LoRa Alliance. “The organization’s commitment to advancing the LoRaWAN standard will accelerate ease of use, zero-touch deployments and rapid scaling of network availability. I look forward to DeWi’s innovative approach and contributions to the continuing evolution of the LoRaWAN standard.”

DeWi is excited to more closely align with the LoRa Alliance and work with other innovative members driving the adoption of LoRaWAN as a global standard. The next era of smart devices demand a wireless network unencumbered by the proximity constraints of WiFi and Bluetooth or unfavorable economics of cellular for low data devices. DeWi sees LoRaWAN as key to solving many of the global resource management initiatives from efficient enterprise operations to environmental sustainability programs. A digitally connected physical world improves the home, workplace, and natural environment. DeWi is eager to work more closely with the LoRa Alliance and its members on this mission. To learn more about the Decentralized Wireless Foundation, please contact Scott Sigel ( scott@dewi.org ).

LoRa Alliance® and LoRaWAN® are marks used under license from the LoRa Alliance®.

About Decentralized Wireless Foundation

The Decentralized Wireless Foundation (DeWi) is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit organization focused on improvements to global wireless connectivity. DeWi provides a governing framework for the decentralized Helium Network and educates the public about the benefits of peer to peer wireless networks and blockchain technology.

Contact Information

Scott Sigel

Media Contact

Decentralized Wireless Foundation

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