Helium is nothing more than an Airbnb for "cell phone tower" real-estate. It has a viable business model because commercial vendors need pervasive low-data connections in populated areas without using the expensive cell phone network (and SIM management).

The "mining" or whathaveyou is a coolhunting gimmick that accomplished the goal of getting people excited about it.

I don't understand why they didn't have a closed platform and hand people their devices. Instead, there's a "waiting list" and a shortage of equipment. Coverage where I'm at is nearly 100%.

Attach the word "mining" to it, and the dotcom money flows like mana from heaven.