Mambo WiFi and Helium form JV to boost mobile coverage in Brazil

Details: John Tanner; Category: Wireless Networks; 12 December 2025; 7370 views

Brazilian SaaS company Mambo WiFi and US-based decentralized wireless communications firm Helium say they have launched a new joint venture to bring Helium’s network of Wi-Fi offload hotspots to mobile users in Brazil.

Helium deals in Wi-Fi access points that also function as “mini cell towers” via a technology called Passpoint that allows seamless and secure connectivity for mobile devices. Helium says these hotspot devices, which can be set up in shops, businesses, venues and other high-traffic areas, help extend mobile coverage and offload data from mobile operators.

The JV with Mambo WiFi, announced on Wednesday, aims to leverage Mambo Wi-Fi’s 40,000 access points across Brazil that already support major telcos to serve as a foundation for Helium’s network expansion, said Mambo WiFi co-founder and CEO Katie Angelo Pierozzi.

Mambo and Helium said they will target the over 100 million under-connected users in Brazil who rely on shared or public Wi-Fi as their primary way to get online.

“Together, we’re tackling the telco market in Brazil and pioneering a new model where people-powered networks deliver affordable, reliable coverage at scale,” said Mario Di Dio, GM of network at Helium. “Mambo’s deep carrier experience and national footprint make them the perfect partner to accelerate this shift, while setting the stage for future carrier collaborations internationally.”

The JV with Mambo is also part of Helium’s ambition to create a global decentralised “people-powered" network using its technology. To that end, alongside the Mambo JV launch, Helium also released an International Waitlist to invite communities, enterprises, and deployment partners worldwide to join its network expansion.

For now, the Helium Network spans over 120,000 hotspots across the US and Mexico, the latter of which kicked off earlier this year via a partnership with Movistar. Helium said its networks in both countries currently serve nearly 2 million daily users.