We know you have questions, so here is a list of Frequently Asked Questions. If you don’t find your question and answer, there is an option to ask a question at the bottom of the page.
Who is behind this?
Parish IoT is based in Baton Rouge, LA. We are a young company with experienced people. We are not a government agency, any more than Parish Brewing Company is.
What is IoT?
IoT is an acronym for “Internet of Things”. You could Google and read for hours about IoT. The IoT is made up of small devices, usually battery or solar powered, that are connected to the internet via open radio networks. There are several public IoT networks. We are helping to build the Helium.com network.
Why does Parish IoT want to build this wireless network?
Imagine having a mobile phone, but no cell towers. The coolest mobile phone can’t do anything without a network. While the IoT device market is young, new devices are coming to market. Someone needs to build the network in the area, or the IoT devices that people purchase won’t work. The network is well established in other cities like Houston, Dallas & Austin. Why does Louisiana always have to be 49th?
Can my computer or smart phone use this IoT wireless network?
No. IoT wireless networks utilize the 900MHZ spectrum. Traditional internet WiFi uses 2.4 or 5 Ghz. The IoT network doesn’t work the same way as the internet on your computer or smart phone. Most IoT devices send small packets of data to the internet. They don’t receive or consume data like computers and smart phones. You cannot use the Helium IoT network to download websites, images or videos. IoT devices that work with the Helium network work with our hotspots.
What does a host have to do?
Host are required to keep the hotspot plugged into a surge protector, powered on, and provide an internet connection ( wired or wireless). Our monitoring system will monitor the hotspot remotely.We may email, call or text you to perform simple tasks like reboot the hotspot. If a hotspot becomes troubled and requires maintenance, Parish IoT will setup an appointment to service the hotspot. Our hours are Monday – Friday 7 AM – 7 PM.
If my location is selected, how long do you want me to host a hotspot.
At this time Parish IoT is starting with a 12 month commitment. After the initial year, the contract is month to month.
What if I move?
Parish IoT understands that life happens, and life is full of changes. In the event you need to move or just don’t want to host any more, you can terminate your host contract by notifying us and returning the equipment. You cannot move the hotspot to your new location without prior approval from Parish IoT. Parish IoT has a network design that it is deploying and hotspots need to be where they are provisioned.
What if the power or the internet goes out?
Hosts are required to keep the hotspot powered on and connected to the internet 95% of the time. Power cycling the hotspot un-necessarily could cause network issues as the hotspot might not be available when the other hotspots try to verify its existence. Parish IoT understands utility power outages happen, and we don’t hold those against you.
Can I move the hotspot after its installed?
We don’t really recommend you move it to a new room in the location once we install it. Our install tech will talk to you about the optimal placement. If you really want the hotspot to be moved to another room in your location, contact us, and we can discuss it and make sure the hotspot is moved properly. Radio waves are funny, and we want to make sure the network is optimal.
What about my data privacy?
While any device on your network can see user network traffic, the Helium hotspots are not designed to perform user data collection. Parish IoT has not modified the hotspots to collect your network data. Parish IoT does not collect or sell any user data. If you are interested in hosting a hotspot but have data privacy concerns, we can setup the hotspot on your guest wifi so it is not exposed to your network’s user data.
How do I get $50?
Once Parish IoT selects you and your location to host a hotspot and the hotspot is operational, you will receive payment at the end of each month within 5 business days. Payments are sent via direct deposit ACH or mailed checks. Technically it is $599.99 a year, so we don’t have to send you a 1099 Tax form and you don’t have to pay taxes on the compensation you received. If your ready to get started Fill out the Survey Form
Do hosts have to sign a contract?
Parish IoT is a business looking to build relationships with people who can host a hotspot device in return they are finically compensated. Like all good business relationships, there are terms and there is a contract to make sure everyone received what is agreed upon.
How much internet bandwidth does the hotspot consume?
Under normal operation, the hotspot should consume less than 5GB of data transfer per month.
How much power does the hotspot consume?
In our in environment testing the hotspot consumes 2.5 kWh per 30 days (720 hours). The monthly cost to power the hotpot is $0.25 per Entergy Louisiana’s rates as of 10/2020.
What IoT devices are available on the Helium network?
Helium Tabs can track an item, similar to Tile & Apple AirTags, but across much larger distances. There are other devices coming to market in the next year, but without a local wireless network, these devices will not perform their designed purpose. Helium.com publishes press releases on newly released devices and innovative uses of the network.
Do I have to buy a Helium hotspot?
No. Parish IoT purchases and owns the hotspots that we deploy to a host’s location. Host are people who are hosting a hotspot in a location. Parish IoT monitors the hotspots to make sure they are operating correctly for best network optimization.
What if I want to buy and operate my own Helium hotspot?
Thats awesome, but thats not what Parish IoT is about. We welcome anyone to go out on their own and buy a hotspot. We are not discouraging or restricting that. However, Parish IoT is offering the $50 a month compensation. Helium.com is not offering any USD compensation.
Do IoT device owners have to pay to use the Helium network?
There are no ongoing contracts like your cellphone or LTE-M (Verizon) or NB-IoT (AT&T). When you buy a device that works on the Helium network, the devices comes with the wireless coverage included. If the device requires an annual data plan, its usually a few dollars a year. The price for coverage is almost nothing compared to the corporate wireless company’s rates. Helium is known as “The People’s Network”.
How do I get started?
Parish IoT is selecting hosts based on location. If you are interested in becoming a hotspot host, Fill out the Survey Form and Parish IoT will contact you once we review your info.