Texas Adopts Helium Network, Can HNT Rise Even Higher?

Helium Network is back in the spotlight after the City of Celina, Texas, integrated public Wi-Fi with the Helium network to provide carrier-grade connectivity. The news boosted market interest in HNT and sent HNT prices sharply higher. However, the rally was also amplified by short squeeze, meaning the upside potential still comes with high volatility risk.

Key Takeaways

• Celina uses public Wi-Fi for Helium Network coverage.
• HNT prices surged after news of the integration.
• Further upside remains possible, but correction risk is high.

What Happened with Helium Network in Celina, Texas?

Celina uses existing Wi-Fi at public facilities and in the downtown area to carry carrier traffic through Helium Network. This approach enables additional connectivity without having to wait for new cellular towers to be built.

The network is already carrying around 100 GB of traffic per day. More broadly, Helium covers more than 42,000 locations across the United States and serves more than 2.5 million people every day.

One point needs clarification: this development does not mean the entire state of Texas has officially adopted Helium. The announced implementation specifically took place in the City of Celina, but it still provides meaningful validation for the DePIN narrative.

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Why Did HNT Price Surge?

Following the Helium Celina, Texas news, HNT moved aggressively. On August 29, 2026, the token was reported to have risen about 88% to around US$0.42, and the rally continued throughout the weekend.

Market data at the time this article was written showed HNT still up around 74% over 24 hours. Trading volume was also very large relative to market capitalization, signaling a sharp increase in market activity.

HNT's rise was not driven entirely by fundamentals-based spot buying. Liquidations of short positions reached more than US$1.6 million over the weekend, while open interest surged sharply.

Short Squeeze Adds Fuel to the HNT Rally

Short squeeze occurs when traders betting on a price decline are forced to close their positions because the price rises instead. Closing those positions requires buying the asset back, adding further buying pressure.

This helps explain why Helium HNT can move so quickly. The rally may continue while bearish positions remain under pressure, but momentum can reverse once forced buying begins to fade.

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Can HNT Rise Higher?

Fundamentally, the Celina integration gives Helium Network more concrete evidence of real-world usage. For DePIN projects, real-world infrastructure usage is an important factor in strengthening network utility.

HNT's upside potential could receive another boost if the Celina model is adopted by other cities. The more real traffic that flows through the network, the stronger the case for the market to view Helium as more than just a speculative narrative.

However, traders need to distinguish between gains driven by adoption and gains driven by leverage. Open interest that rises too quickly can increase the risk of a correction when market positions begin to unwind.

HNT Price Levels to Watch

The US$0.44 area was previously an important resistance level during the initial rally. HNT then broke above that level and briefly approached US$1 before correcting, making the price structure much more volatile.

If the price establishes new support and volume remains healthy, the case for trend continuation becomes more credible. Conversely, falling volume alongside weaker prices could signal that momentum is starting to fade.

For the medium term, do not focus only on daily candles. The number of locations, network traffic, city expansion, and user growth also need to be monitored.

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Risks of Buying Helium Coin After the Rally

A rise of tens or even hundreds of percent in a short period increases the risk of buying at an elevated price. The fact that HNT remains far below its all-time high does not automatically make the token cheap.

HNT has a maximum supply of around 223 million tokens, while its circulating supply is approximately 186 million HNT. This means investors still need to consider the impact of additional token issuance.

A single city implementation is also not enough to prove that the model can succeed at scale. Further adoption and sustained traffic will determine whether the current momentum translates into fundamental growth.

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HNT Looks Attractive, but Do Not Chase the Rally Alone

HNT has a combination of fundamental catalysts and market momentum. The Celina integration demonstrates real-world usage, while the short squeeze made the price increase far more aggressive.

If you want to follow HNT price developments and other crypto news, you can register on Bittime and check market updates regularly. Continue to do your own research and apply risk management when volatility is high.

Conclusion

Helium Network gained an important catalyst after the City of Celina, Texas, used public Wi-Fi to expand coverage through the Helium network. This development strengthens HNT's utility, but the latest rally was also heavily influenced by a short squeeze and leverage.

HNT could still rise if adoption expands and the price can maintain a bullish structure after the rally. However, correction risk remains high, so monitor network fundamentals, volume, and market conditions before making a decision.

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FAQ

What Is HNT?

HNT is the main token in the Helium Network ecosystem, a decentralized wireless network that connects physical infrastructure with blockchain technology.

Has Texas Officially Adopted Helium Network?

Not across the entire state. The announced implementation took place in the City of Celina, Texas.

Why Did HNT Price Rise Sharply?

News of the Celina integration provided a fundamental catalyst, and the move was then amplified by a short squeeze and liquidations of bearish positions.

Can HNT Still Rise?

It remains possible if adoption and market momentum continue. However, a major rally also increases the risk of a correction.

Is Now the Right Time to Buy HNT?

There is no single entry point that is right for everyone. Evaluate volatility, network fundamentals, price levels, and your risk tolerance first.