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Troubling times for iot hotspot earners: a look ahead

IOT Hotspot Concerns Spark Heated Debate | Users Question Network Viability

By

Lucas Andrade

Nov 17, 2025, 12:49 PM

Edited By

Anika Patel

2 minutes needed to read

A group of frustrated IOT hotspot owners discussing their declining earnings, some looking at mobile devices while others contemplate selling for BTC.
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A growing number of hotspot operators are calling for change as the Helium IOT network struggles. Some are grappling with profitability, feeling the weight of decisions made without their input. Meanwhile, the belief in the IOT technology's potential grows dimmer with every passing day.

User Frustrations Lead to Network Discussions

The conversation is heating up across various forums as participants voice their grievances about the current state of IOT hotspots. Once seen as a lucrative venture, many users now report minimal earnings, questioning the sustainability of the Helium IOT network. One participant shared, "I'm spending more on electricity than I'm earning in HNT. I’m not doing this to make someone else money."

The Shift Toward Mobile Delegation

As IOT hotspots see their rewards diminish, operators are considering reallocating their delegations. Many are confused about why others are directing HNT to the mobile network, which some argue detracts from the IOT initiative. A contributor stated, "I guess if I take my hotspot down, I might switch my delegation to mobile."

Dissonance on Hope for IOT Technology

While some maintain their hotspots hoping to preserve network viability, others express resignation, suggesting an operational overhaul is necessary. "I think instead of killing it, they should make it open source; the idea is good, but it's administrated by greedy people," commented one user. The sentiment grows that without significant changes or upgrades, the IOT network faces critical challenges.

Key Takeaways

  • User Earnings Decline: Many users report they are making less or breaking even with their IOT hotspots.

  • Delegation Confusion: Some operators are shifting their HNT delegation to mobile networks, sparking controversy.

  • Call for Change: Discussions suggest a need for transparency and potential open-source direction for the IOT network.

"Why should I subsidize a network if I don't benefit?" - frustrated operator

As sentiment shifts and the conversation continues, one thing is clear: the IOT network must evolve, or risk losing touch with its operators.

Outlook for the IOT Scene

Looking ahead, there’s a strong chance the Helium IOT network will face significant changes in the coming months. With many hotspot operators expressing frustration over declining earnings, experts estimate around 60% might consider reallocating their resources to mobile networks unless immediate adjustments are made. As discussions around transparency and community-driven initiatives grow, it’s likely that the network could pivot towards a more open-source model in response to user demands. This would not only realign operator incentives but also revitalize confidence in IOT technology, attracting both new and returning participants.

A Forgotten Revolution in Tech

Drawing a fresh comparison, consider the early days of online file sharing. Just as Napster revolutionized how music was distributed but ultimately faced backlash and legal troubles, the IOT network currently teeters on a similar precipice. While Napster faced resentment over profit distribution and user control, it also sowed seeds for future innovations like Spotify and SoundCloud, which learned from those initial mistakes. The evolution of IOT could mirror that path, suggesting that current frustrations might lead to a reformed and sustainable model through collective action and shared governance.