PANews reported on January 15th that, according to Cryptopolitan, decentralized mobile network Helium Mobile announced it will terminate its early access tariff plans, including the $5 and $20 monthly plans, effective January 27th. The company stated that the adjustment is due to taxes imposed by the government and payment partners. Affected $5 plan users will receive a $10 account balance as compensation, and those who upgrade to a higher-tier plan (Air or Infinity) before the deadline will enjoy a 50% discount for one year and $50 in cloud credits. Existing users of the free "zero-dollar plan" will also be required to pay the relevant taxes in the future.
This move sparked strong discontent among early adopters, with many accusing the company on social media of reneging on its promise to offer a permanent discounted rate. Helium Mobile founder and CEO Amir Haleem responded that the company had not promised a permanent $5 plan.
