The Helium thing is surely enticing knowing that they're offering what? $20(if I remember correctly) a month for unlimited data? That's like super cheap, especially in the United States. Though I haven't dug deep enough to know what the 'catch' is. There should at least be some downside.
The only problem with this offer is that you cannot get a refund or return if you are buying it with unlimited data in mind. This is what they have stated in their refund policy, which I believe is smart marketing tactics
*snip*
I partly can't blame them for that policy.
"Deploy indoor mobile coverage where it’s needed and earn MOBILE. Together, we’ll change how we all connect." (
https://hellohelium.com/hotspot)
So they're pretty much paying out $mobile emissions for people using the device, so if they have refunds allowed, people would buy one and farm $mobile, then refund the device.
I think these system can work pretty well, but I stay in CAN and not in a total 100% reality. I am also looking at Hivemapper