Helium (HNT) and Data Credits are the two units of exchange that power the Burn-and-Mint Equilibrium token model of The People's Network. 

The People's Network, powered by the Helium Blockchain, constitutes a fundamental change for decentralised wireless infrastructure. 

![Homepage image of HNT website](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/Screenshot_2023_05_05_at_15_31_19_d23412dd42.png)

## What is The People’s Network? 

In a nutshell, The People's Network is the world's largest and quickest-growing Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN), with hundreds of organisations and thousands of developers already BUIDLing on the network. 

By simply deploying any device in your home or office, you can obtain low-power network coverage that can sustain billions of devices at a time. And it gets better – by connecting your device to a network Hotspot, upon device validation and wireless coverage provision, you also earn a new cryptocurrency called HNT. 

[This crypto mining setup ](/news/article/norway-bitcoin-mining)is without expensive GPU technology and makes for an interesting passive [income opportunity](/news/article/metamining-earning-passive-income-from-bitcoin). HNT mining is done via radio technology, and, currently, there are more than 990k network Hotspots, with over 143M HNT tokens in circulation. 

## Helium (HNT) market cap and price predictions 2030 

As is [advertised on the website](https://www.helium.com/token), there is no pre-mine of the cryptocurrency and its maximum supply is capped at 223M tokens. 

With more than 143M HNT in circulation currently, roughly 64% of the total token supply has been distributed to various eligible parties already. 

According to [Coingecko data](https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/helium), HNT is priced at $1.77 at the time of writing. The crypto asset has a total market cap of more than $255M and a 24-hour trading volume of over $2.55M. HNT achieved an all-time high of $54.88 on 12 November, 2021, and an all-time low of $0.11 on 18 April, 2022. 

![coingecko price chart for HNT](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/Screenshot_2023_05_05_at_15_31_27_1423dbbc15.png)

Source: [Coingecko ](https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/helium)

From this chart and historical price data, it is clear that Helium is a particularly volatile cryptocurrency that experienced a massive price dip between late November 2021 and March 2023. 

Of course, this period has coincided with several macroeconomic and crypto industry-related issues. Since falling to a 17-month low of $1.23 on 23 March, 2023, Helium has recovered slightly. That said, what is the true ceiling for the cryptocurrency? 

While it is hard to predict how high HNT could fare in terms of its price, The People's Network is surely gaining traction by the day. Several prominent figures across numerous industries are taking advantage of the network, including Agulus, Airly, Nowi, Digital Matter, and LoneStar Tracking. 

“Our devices monitor water usage and help with leak detection. For us, Helium is essential because the cost of and the barriers to installing a gateway to every single deployment would make those deployments much more difficult.”  -Nowi co-founder Charles Fayal 

These organisations are BUIDLing a rich ecosystem of software and hardware solutions that utilise and support The People's Network. Applications include indoor/outdoor location tracking, the Internet of Things (IoT), smarter agriculture, smart gateways, air quality monitoring, staking provisions, and smart weather stations. 

It is evident that The People’s Network infrastructure is supporting REAL WORLD change, with HNT at the heart of the ecosystem. 

Keeping that in mind, the prospect of [cheap crypto mining](/news/article/marathon-digital-sustainable-mining) (in the form of HNT mining), the cryptocurrency's fixed token supply, historical data, and the potential growth of the crypto industry with time, among several other factors, the crypto asset could achieve a multi-billion dollar market cap in the near future. HNT is likely to hit double-digits again as well. 

[Popular crypto exchanges to buy](/news/article/bitrue-crypto-exchange-reviewed) the cryptocurrency include eToro, Crypto.com Exchange, Gate.io, Kucoin, and Bybit. Currently, Gate.io is the most popular exchange to trade Helium. 

As always, do your own research and follow the project closely to learn of the latest updates. To help you better understand the crypto asset's fundamentals, let us explore it in more detail. 

## Everything you MUST know about Helium (HNT) 

- The distribution of Helium changes over time. This ensures that HNT distribution is aligned with network needs. Let us explore the Year 1 Breakdown to understand the incentives model better: 

- Network data transfer: 30% of the Year 1 supply was awarded for hearing devices and receiving and passing on their data packets to the internet. 

- Hotspot infrastructure: 35% of the Year 1 supply was awarded for creating, witnessing, and participating in Proof-of-Coverage challenges. 

- Helium Systems Inc. and investors: The remaining 35% of the Year 1 supply was assigned to organisations, investors, and founders who will be in charge of blockchain governance. 

For BUIDLing and securing coverage, a large proportion of Helium is allocated to Hotspot owners in the early days. As the network grows in stature, Hotspot owners earn more for relaying device data on the network, while Helium Systems Inc. and investors earn less. 

After 20 years, HNT distributions will no longer undergo change. The below chart summarises the HNT token distribution system over 50 years. 

![helium investors chart](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/Screenshot_2023_05_05_at_15_31_35_13b89202aa.png)

## Network Data Transfer Rewards 

Network Data Transfer Rewards are distributed at a 1:1 ratio to Helium spending and are restricted to 30% of all minted HNT (Year 1). As a bonus for providing early network coverage, the remainder is awarded to the Proof-of-Coverage Rewards Pool as a bonus. 

## Helium (HNT) supply 

With a maximum supply of 223 tokens, all Helium was mined from Genesis, commencing at a rate of 5M tokens each month and then halving after two years. On 1 August, 2021, the net issuance of HNT tokens was halved to 2.5M tokens/month. 

![line graph of HNT vs inflation rate](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/Screenshot_2023_05_05_at_15_31_40_026c4182d8.png)

On 1 August, 2023, the net HNT issuance will again be halved to 1.25M tokens/month. 

## Net Helium (HNT) Emissions 

With the net HNT issuance halving every two years, there needs to be a mechanism to reward Hotspots if there is not enough Helium minted at the time of asking. Net Emissions uses (recycles) 'burned' HNT tokens to reward Hotspots (see the Burn-and-Mint Equilibrium token model we referred to earlier). 

Net Emissions are limited to 1% of current token issuance per epoch. This system oversees Data Credit network usage and adds that amount of tokens (taking into consideration the cap) onto the issuance supply. 

The system ensures deflationary pressure is not extinguished after the cap has been reached while allowing for rewards to exist in years to come. Once the limit is exceeded, the network value should logically increase, satisfying the Burn-and-Mint Equilibrium token model. 

The below chart explains how Net Emissions towards Hotspot rewards increase as HNT minting decreases over 50 years. 

![hnt minting supply chart](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/Screenshot_2023_05_05_at_15_31_47_a3d9f5feff.png)

Considering these factors and features, it is clear to see that HNT is backed by sound fundamentals. Coupled with the promise of the network's underlying technology and all other points of discussion, Helium seems to be a good long-term investment option. For the last time, DYOR before making an investment decision! 

To round off your understanding of Helium and the token model of The People’s Network, let us explore the Data Credits system. 

## Data Credits 

These are used by devices to send data on The People's Network and for blockchain transaction fees (Helium Blockchain). They are created by burning HNT tokens, are tied to a single user, and are non-exchangeable. As such, Data Credits are the ONLY payment accepted to send data over the network. 

The data transfer takes place via Helium LongFi. The price of one Data Credit is fixed in US dollars (1 Data Credit = $0.00001). You can convert your HNT to Data Credits or purchase Data Credits from an HNT owner. 

As soon as Helium is converted to Data Credits, the converted tokens are burned and removed from the circulating supply. 

## Fun facts about Helium (HNT), The People’s Network 

Here are some fun facts about The People’s Network that you MUST know: 

- You can [stake HNT](/news/article/hnt-staking-and-maximizing-returns) to become a validator, secure the network, and earn more of the cryptocurrency! Learn everything [about staking here](https://www.helium.com/stake). 

- The network is built on open-source technology and governed by an open association. This makes for transparent development and governance. 

- With thousands of existing MCUs, chipsets, and sensors, development on the network is streamlined and easy. 

- There are more than 120 projects utilising the network's wireless technology at the moment. 

- The wireless technology is scalable and affordable, as running a single Helium sensor costs mere cents. 

hnt coin on green iamge of cryptocurrency coins

HNT: Why Helium is the New Crypto Mining Haven 

Whether you're new to Helium and HNT staking or a seasoned professional, you can use several tips and tricks to improve your staking experience. Here's a brief guide of things you should know before you begin.

## HNT staking explained

### Become a validator to stake HNT: 

[Helium staking is the process of staking coins and crypto](https://www.helium-staking.com/). The amount of money a validator earns depends on the initial stake. The minimum staking amounts vary by coin, but can go as low as tens of thousands of dollars. The amount of rewards for earning also varies by the total supply of HNT in circulation.

You can stake multiple validators to increase your chances of earning. You can also stake different types of cryptocurrencies. There are two basic types of staking: partial and full. Generally, [a full staker retains all earnings minus the operational costs](/news/article/crypto-lending). However, a partial staker can split the stake with other validators in the Vanager network.

A validator node is a beefy cloud computer that performs consensus group. It adds new blocks to the blockchain and checks transactions. It also maintains the shared network state and helps keep the network secure. You can get a validator node started by staking 10,000 HNT. Then, you'll need to install the node software in a suitable environment.

To earn rewards, a validator must be online and perform consensus group work. HNT staking rewards are paid out every 30 blocks and a validator node is rewarded for stability and security. There are a few penalties for failing to participate in the consensus group.

If a validator is not in contact with the network for a period of time, the reward is slashed. The maximum penalty is five months. Then, they can participate in the Consensus Group again after the same amount of time.

For those looking to earn passive income, you can also invest in an unstaking validator. These are great ways to support the network without staking.

### Transition to Proof of Stake

Using crypto-economic incentives, Helium (HNT) incentivizes participants to build Internet of Things (IoT) networks. The network is secured by Helium's blockchain, and hotspots provide service to IoT devices.

In the past months, there has been a significant MoM increase in the number of hotspots on the network. These operators are using consumer-grade hotspot hardware and basic internet connections.

Helium uses the Proof of Coverage protocol to validate hotspot locations. This allows the network to operate securely across distributed operators. In addition, it distributes rewards to HNT holders. 

These rewards are then sent to verify transactions.


blue image of hnt helium token over trading statistics

HNT Staking and Maximizing Returns

What's going to happen with HNT price? HNT - Helium Network Token - is the native cryptocurrency of Helium, a blockchain-powered network for the Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

The cryptocurrency is used to reward hotspot operators for their work. Hotspot operators are individuals running Helium hotspots, devices that provide wireless coverage for IoT devices.

According to [Coinmarketcap](https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/helium/), the HNT price is currently $3.92 and it is ranked the 79th largest cryptocurrency in the world, with a live market cap of $508,456,831 (9th December).

Like most cryptocurrencies, it has a max supply cap. Only 223 million of the coins will ever exist. There are currently 130,043,691 of them in public circulation.

## HNT price history

HNT tokens first entered the crypto market in July 2019, each priced at $0.27. However, they were first recorded on Coinmarketcap on 8 June, 2020. At the time, each of them was worth $0.2735.

On 13 August, 2020, they began to trade above $1. The highest HNT price reached that year was $2.30, for a very short while. They ended 2020 trading at $1.30 each.

2021 was a good year for the [tokens](/news/article/time-tokens). They began the year priced at $1.30 each. By late January, they were already trading above $2. By the beginning of February, they had appreciated, trading above $3. For a few days in February, they traded above $4, ending the month worth $4.18.
 
By mid-March, they had begun trading above $6, then $7, then $8, ending the month at $10.50 each. They would continue to appreciate and begin trading above $20 on 19 August.

By 4 November, the cryptocurrency had begun trading above $30. For a few days, they traded above $40 and $50, but ended the year priced at $37.86 each. It is worth noting that 2021 was a good year for the entire crypto market. Plenty of cryptocurrencies experienced a bull run.

So far, 2022 hasn’t been the best of years for this cryptocurrency. It began the year at $37.90, later appreciated and traded above $40, but then dropped in price and ended the month at $27.84.

In February, the tokens appreciated for a few days to trade above $30, then dropped and ended the month priced at $25.73 each. They began trading below $20 in April. By 13 May, they were trading at $8.70. The last time they traded above $10 was 29 June.

## Is HNT a good investment?

Several crypto prediction sites are hopeful about this cryptocurrency and consider it a good long-term investment option.
[Changelly](https://changelly.com/blog/helium-price-prediction/) predicts it might trade at an average price of $6.23 in 2023, $9.38 in 2024, $14.04 in 2025, $20.40 in 2026, $35.35 in 2027, $45.19 in 2028, $67.60 in 2029, $101.13 in 2030, and $152.76 in 2031.

[CryptoNewz](https://www.cryptonewsz.com/forecast/helium-price-prediction/) predicts HNT might trade at a minimum price of $7.20 in 2023, $13.50 in 2024, $18.40 in 2025, $21.00 in 2026, $22.90 in 2027, $28.70 in 2028, $35.80 in 2029, and $51.00 in 2030.

According to [Priceprediction](https://priceprediction.net/en/price-prediction/helium), the token might trade at an average price of $6.33 in 2023, $9.38 in 2024, $14.04 in 2025, $20.40 in 2026, $30.51 in 2027, $45.19 in 2028, $67.61 in 2029, $101.14 in 2030, and $152.78 in 2031.

[Captainaltcoin](https://captainaltcoin.com/helium-hnt-price-prediction/) also predicts a bullish future. According to the site, HNT might be worth $14.81 in 2023, $29.79 in 2024, $60 in 2026, $75.41 in 2027, $90.82 in 2028, and $106.23 in 2029.

[Cryptopredictions](https://cryptopredictions.com/helium/) predicts the tokens might begin 2023 trading at an average price of $5.994 and end the year worth $5.762. They might end 2024 worth $9.179, 2025 worth $11.44, and 2026 worth $12.595.

Compared, Changelly and Priceprediction seem to have similar HNT price prediction stats. Captainaltcoin, however, predicts a more promising future for the coins. Cryptopredictions does not predict as promising a future for the coins as the other crypto prediction sites.

It is worth noting that considering the volatile nature of the crypto market, the prediction stats are highly unreliable for investment decisions. However, they help give some indication of where this digital asset might head in the future.

## How to get the tokens

There are two ways to get the tokens. Firstly, they can be bought across several crypto exchanges, including KuCoin, Binance, and Gate.io. Binance allows users to purchase the tokens with credit cards, bank deposits, and through several third-party payment channels.

The tokens can also be acquired by becoming a Helium hotspot owner. The devices provide wireless network coverage for IoT devices. They also help secure the Helium network. Once you buy, plug in, and run the hotspot devices, they start mining HNT. The devices are available for purchase online.

## Conclusion

Considering the current price, HNT tokens have some work to do to return to their glory days or better. The coins have had their ups and downs. While some people might have lost hope, some prediction platforms encourage holding on a little longer for possible positive results.

Note that this is not financial advice, but the author's opinions. Before investing in any crypto asset, always take the time to do your own research.



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