In a recent revelation, it has been found that the authorities of Utah, a landlocked state in the Mountain West subregion of the Western United States, are seeking to uncover the mystery behind antennas that are being discovered on the foothills within the Salt Lake City area, capital of the state.
According to Tyler Fonarow, Salt Lake’s recreational trail manager, the antennas appeared for the first time around a year ago, but the installations have speedied in recent months. Sources reveal that there is insufficient information regarding the individual or the group behind the ownership and installation of these antennas.
To accomplish the cause, city officials have been hiking the snowy trails to confiscate the antennas. These antennas contain a locked battery box, a router, and a solar panel. Several such antennas have already been removed, and more are expected to be taken out in the coming weeks.
Reportedly, some of the antennas removed were placed on the property run by the Forest Service and the University of Utah. However, the authorities have also suggested that the terrain is a possible barrier disturbing the removal process.
Sources reveal that initial investigations indicate that antennas might be relaying data to a broader area, with authorities calling on owners to come forward. The statement from Fonrow quoted:
“These towers have been bolted into different peaks and summits and ridges around the foothills, and it started with one or two, and now it might be as much as a dozen. <…> We just don’t leave things on public lands anymore. You have to ask for permission.”
The investigators revealed that based on the composition of the antennas, there is speculation that they belong to a decentralized blockchain network. Specifically, it’s suspected that the antennas are a potential hotspot connecting to the Helium network.
Interestingly, Helium is a wireless blockchain-based system with an incentive business model that enables customers to establish hotspots that act as Helium miners while offering internet connectivity.
Through the process, customers are only required to buy the hotspot, install and earn money by minting the network’s native token, HNT. In addition, based on the mystery surrounding the antennas, a social media section alleged that they belong to off-grid Helium miners.
A local media channel also shared an image of the confiscated antenna on Twitter, and interestingly, users commented that such a device is designed for minting HNT. However, the wait for a comment from the state authorities is continuing.
Mining digital assets have been a concern for regulators across the globe. On November 22, New York Governor Kathy Hochul officially enacted a two-year ban on proof-of-work cryptocurrency mining, making it the first state in America to do so.
The PoW mining ban will not only forbid new mining operations but will also prevent companies already operating in the state from renewing their permits. In addition, any brand-new PoW mining business in the state is only permitted to run if it completely relies on renewable energy.