Cities around the world are investing in technology to improve transport, utilities, and environmental monitoring. These projects are often called smart cities. They rely on connected sensors and devices that collect real-time data to help manage urban services more efficiently.

In Australia, building this type of digital infrastructure can be expensive because of the country’s large geography and lower population density outside major cities. A newer technology model called DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) may offer an alternative approach. One of the best-known examples is the Helium network.

This article explains how Helium’s DePIN model works and why it could play a role in Australia’s future smart city projects.

What Is Helium’s DePIN Model?

Helium is a blockchain-based network designed to support Internet of Things (IoT) devices. IoT devices include sensors used for things like traffic monitoring, air quality tracking, smart lighting, and asset tracking.

Instead of relying on large telecom companies to build the network infrastructure, Helium uses a community-owned model. Individuals and businesses install small wireless devices called hotspots. These hotspots provide long-range, low-power connectivity for nearby sensors and devices.

People who operate these hotspots are rewarded with tokens when they provide network coverage and transfer data. Many investors and developers track the helium price

because the token is tied to the activity and growth of the network.

This model is known as Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) because the physical infrastructure is built and maintained by a distributed group of participants instead of a single company.

How the Helium Network Works?

Helium uses several key mechanisms to operate its network.

Community Hotspots: Hotspots act as small wireless gateways. They connect IoT devices to the internet using LoRaWAN, a long-range communication technology designed for low-power devices.

These hotspots are installed by individuals, businesses, or organisations that want to expand network coverage.

Proof-of-Coverage: Helium uses a system called Proof-of-Coverage to verify that hotspots are actually providing useful wireless coverage. When a hotspot proves that it is contributing to the network, the operator can receive token rewards.

Data Credits: Organisations that want to send data through the network must use Data Credits. These credits have a fixed dollar value, which helps keep costs predictable for businesses and public projects.

This system allows cities and companies to connect sensors and devices without relying on expensive traditional telecom infrastructure.

Why Smart Cities Need IoT Connectivity?

Smart cities depend on thousands of connected sensors that collect and share data. These sensors can support many public services. Examples include:

• Traffic monitoring systems that adjust signals based on congestion
• Air quality sensors that track pollution levels
• Smart waste bins that signal when they need emptying
• Water management systems that monitor leaks or pressure changes
• Smart lighting systems that adjust brightness based on activity

For these systems to work, they need reliable and affordable network connectivity. Traditional cellular networks can be costly for large numbers of low-power sensors. This is where low-cost IoT networks such as Helium could provide value.

Potential Benefits for Australian Smart Cities

Australia has unique infrastructure challenges. Large distances and remote regions make it expensive to build traditional network infrastructure everywhere.

Helium’s DePIN model could offer several potential advantages.

Lower Connectivity Costs

Traditional telecom networks require large capital investments in towers and infrastructure. Helium’s community-driven network spreads that cost across many participants. Some studies suggest that IoT connectivity using LoRaWAN networks can cost significantly less than cellular alternatives.

Lower connectivity costs allow cities to deploy more sensors across transport, utilities, and environmental monitoring systems.

Expanding Coverage in Urban Gaps

Even in major cities there are areas where traditional coverage is weaker. These “dead zones” can limit the effectiveness of smart infrastructure systems.

Helium hotspots can help fill these gaps by creating a dense network of small coverage points. This can support devices such as:

• smart parking sensors
• environmental monitoring systems
• traffic management sensors
• Supporting Regional and Remote Areas

Many Australian industries operate far from major cities. Agriculture, mining, and logistics companies often need connectivity in remote locations. Helium’s LongFi technology allows devices to communicate over long distances with very low power consumption. This can support applications such as:

• livestock tracking
• soil moisture monitoring
• asset tracking in supply chains
• environmental monitoring in remote regions

This type of connectivity can be useful in areas where traditional cellular networks are not available.

Real-World Applications in Australia

Several sectors in Australia are already experimenting with IoT technology that could benefit from networks like Helium.

Agriculture: Sensors can monitor soil moisture, weather conditions, and livestock movement. Farmers can receive real-time data that helps improve crop management and resource efficiency.

Urban Infrastructure: Smart lighting, traffic monitoring, and waste management systems rely on connected sensors that send small amounts of data frequently.

Logistics and Asset Tracking: Ports, shipping yards, and transport companies use tracking devices to monitor equipment and cargo.

Environmental Monitoring: Sensors can track pollution levels, water quality, and weather conditions to support sustainability goals.

Many Australian municipalities already use LoRaWAN networks for similar purposes. Helium provides a public, shared infrastructure model rather than requiring every city to build its own network.

The Future of DePIN in Smart Cities

DePIN projects like Helium represent a new approach to infrastructure development. Instead of relying only on government or corporate investment, networks can grow through community participation.

For Australia, this model could help support the expansion of connected technologies across cities, industries, and remote regions. Smart city projects are expected to generate hundreds of billions of dollars in economic value over the next decade. Affordable connectivity will be a key part of making those systems work.

If the Helium network continues to grow and improve reliability, it may become one of several technologies used to support the next generation of smart infrastructure.