Nova Labs, the company behind the decentralized Helium Mobile network, recently conducted significant layoffs, with 36% of its workforce let go in late August. This move, confirmed by Chief Operating Officer Frank Mong, aligns with a reorganization aimed at refocusing on the company’s primary cellular network business.
According to one former employee, Nova Labs had approximately 105 employees before the layoffs, suggesting that around 38 staff members were affected.
Nova Labs Cuts Workforce for ‘Strategic Right-Sizing’
While the layoffs have stirred concerns among employees and stakeholders, one source familiar with the situation described the move as a strategic “right-sizing” effort to enhance Nova Labs’ focus and efficiency within the decentralized wireless sector.
Nova Labs has been a leader in pioneering decentralized communication solutions and remains committed to advancing its Helium Mobile cell network despite the recent workforce reduction.
This layoff comes quite as a shock because just weeks prior, Nova Labs announced a major partnership with American Bandwidth (Ameriband), a prominent player in Wi-Fi infrastructure.
This collaboration marks a significant expansion for the Helium Network, adding over 100,000 Ameriband access points across the United States. The integration of Ameriband’s infrastructure rapidly enhances Helium’s coverage footprint, bringing hundreds of thousands of new access points into the Helium ecosystem.
Nova Labs Plans to To Broaden Crypto Economy
Through this collaboration, Nova Labs has unveiled a special bridge that makes it possible for conventional infrastructure to smoothly transition into useful coverage inside the Helium Network and the larger cryptocurrency market.
In sharp contrast to conventional cellular networks that depend on costly cell towers, the expanded coverage model shows the promise of a people-powered network.
The Helium Network may now more successfully compete with traditional telco carriers by utilising Ameriband’s vast infrastructure, resulting in an accessible and decentralised wireless service.
Despite the layoffs, Nova Labs is still working towards its goal of a publicly owned, decentralised network, and it intends to expand and fortify its Helium Mobile platform. The company’s latest reorganisation seems to be a planned move to simplify operations and fulfill its promise of a less expensive, decentralised communication option.