FAQs
Host FAQs
What is the hotspot and how does it work?
The hotspot is a small device that creates a large wireless network for smart sensors and devices in your community. Think of it as a Wi-Fi router, but for devices that need to send small amounts of data over long ranges. These devices create a coverage network for what's usually called the IoT — or the “Internet of Things.”
Common IoT devices that can benefit and actually use our network are all around you! Got a smart fridge? Yep, we connect that. Do you use a dog collar that helps track where your pet is? Deelium helps that function as well. Ever see one of those smart scooters blazing down the street? Deelium is a part of it.
Is the hotspot really "free"?
Yes! In fact, there is literally no out of pocket cost for our hosts.
What are the minimum requirements to host a hotspot?
Power - You must be able to plug the hotspot device into a standard power outlet using a surge protector to guard the hotspot against any unexpected power surges.
Internet Connection - The hotspot device needs an internet connection to communicate with the network. This can be wired (ethernet cable) or wireless (Wi-Fi) so long as there is a good Wi-Fi signal where the device will be set up.
How do these hotspots make money?
IoT device and sensor manufacturers pay to utilize the network coverage you are helping to provide.
How much money can I expect to make?
It varies from month to month. A typical Deelium hotspot earns $50 to $250 per month. There are many factors that determine a hotspot's profitability, such as:
How good the coverage your hotspot is creating for the network
How many smart IoT devices and sensors connect to and use your hotspot
How high the hotspot's antenna placed
How many obstructions are interfering or blocking the line of sight to connect to IoT devices and other hotspots in your area
How reliable your power and internet connection is
How many other hotspots are in your nearby area
Deelium reviews each application for the best-suited locations to maximize the potential profits for each of our members.
The better the hotspot performs, the more you earn.
How does proximity to other hotspots affect my earnings?
Our goal is to provide the best coverage for the IoT network as possible. Too many hotspots in 1 geographical area (or what we call "hexagons") creates redundancy in coverage and is a duplication of efforts and resources. That's why placement is key. When selecting our hosts we aim to only have a single host per geographical hexagon. This maximizes earnings for our hosts, creates evenly distributed coverage for the network, and reduces wasteful redundancies.
Looking at the example picture below, the ideal scenario is 1 hotspot per hexagon (green dot). It's also beneficial to have hotspots in nearby hexagons which help establish proof-of-coverage for the network. Priority is given to applicants whose hotspot location will provide this well-distributed network coverage.
How will I be paid?
Members will be paid monthly and can choose to be paid by whichever service they prefer:
Direct Deposit
Mailed a Physical Check
Will I be liable for paying taxes on my earnings?
Yes, the IRS considers hotspot compensation earned income. Deelium treats its members as independent contractors and members will receive a 1099 form to file with their income taxes each year. The only exception to this is if the total annual compensation is under $600, then a 1099 form is not required.
How much power does the hotspot require?
Our hotspots only use about 5W of energy at peak. For comparison, a typical household lightbulb uses 60W of energy and a standard LED light bulb uses ~10W. With using such a low amount of electricity, hotspots typically only cost about $5 per year to operate, about the same as a cup of Starbucks coffee.
Why does the hotspot need my Wi-Fi Network?
The Hotspot uses data to:
Maintain a view of the global network
Send and receive data packets for IoT devices & sensors that are in range
Sync with the network and receive firmware updates (similar to your home printer)
Also, hotspots do not need to be connected to the internet through Wi-Fi, most members just prefer the ease of use with Wi-Fi over running a wired Ethernet connection.
Will the hotspot slow down my Wi-Fi?
No, hosting a hotspot will not slow down your Wi-Fi. These hotspots transfer small amounts of data and are nearly invisible in terms of bandwidth consumed. Streaming Netflix, YouTube, Gaming, Zoom meetings, etc., will not be affected.
Is it secure? Is it going to spy on me or collect my data?
The hotspot is safe, secure and will not spy on you or collect your data. The hotspots do not hold the capabilities to access any other devices on your network nor will they ever hold the ability to do so. We stand by privacy and your safety as a member.
Is it safe to have in my home?
Yes. The hotspot equipment complies with all FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
How long does the hotspot take to set up and deploy?
Hotspots are usually deployed in 15 minutes or less. The set up process is straightforward and we will walk you through the process.
Who else is operating hotspots?
By choosing to deploy a hostpot, you are joining the tens of thousands of people across the globe actively building next generation IoT network.
How do I maintain a hotspot after it’s deployed?
There's nothing to do. Seriously.
Once it’s set up and running, it will likely require zero maintenance.
What happens after I submit my application?
We will review your information then reach back out if there are any questions that we have. After that we will send one of our hotspots to you, so you can start earning ASAP!
When will I get a hotspot?
The initial response we have received from the community has been overwhelming and beyond any of our wildest expectations -- to say the demand for hotspot placement has far outstripped the supply of available hotspots would be a serious understatement.
Because the availability of hotspots meets just a fraction of the number of applications we have received, we've been forced to prioritize deployments to the best locations that will best enable us to quickly grow inventories and fulfill as many applications as possible. This means we must be very calculated in our approach to application approvals while supply catches up with demand; rest assured we are consistently re-evaluating our existing application queue and re-prioritizing based on evolving market conditions and hotspot placements.
In short -- we are working as quickly as possible to get to everyone, but must prioritize the best performing locations to most quickly work through the queue. Just because you are not approved today does not mean you will be rejected outright! We appreciate your patience and hope to serve you soon!
I received the hotspot in the mail, what do I do now?
In your package, there will be instructions on how to get your hotspot connected to the network. If you hit any roadblocks, please reach out to us via our website’s Contact page, social media, or any direct contact info shared. We want to help!
How will I know if the hotspot is working or not?
Once the Hotspot is set up per our instructions, the light on your hotspot should turn green showing that it is connected to your internet. We will take over from here and let you know if there are any issues getting your hotspot online!
Where should I place the hotspot?
To optimize your earnings, we recommend placing the hotspot on the highest floor of your dwelling and near a window, preferably one that does not have a window screen it. Why? Window screens can disrupt radio waves from being able to be sent and received.
Can I use the hotspot in my own home for my devices?
Yes, and no. Hotspots cannot be used as a Wi-Fi router or Wi-Fi hotspot, the network that's being created by the hotspot is for autonomous devices and sensors that simply need the internet to function. If your household has smart devices or smart sensors that are considered a part of the Internet of Things, like a smart fridge, water leak detector, smart smoke detector, and more; then the answer is yes. If you want to use a Deelium hotspot for entertainment purposes like watching Netflix or Facebook, that is not possible nor what the hotspots are designed to be used for.
What does the hotspot look like? How much room will it take up?
Deelium hotspots look like a standard Wi-Fi router. There are various hardware versions, but generally, all serve the same purpose.
Can I modify the hotspot to improve coverage and earnings?
Placement is the best "modification" you can make. The higher up the antenna, the more area it will cover. If you want to take it a step further, aftermarket high-powered antennas may be an option but are not suitable for all situations. Contact Deelium prior to making any changes and we can provide guidance for the optimal placement and arrangements.
Referral FAQs
How do I make money as a Referrer?
When you refer someone who is chosen to become a Deelium member hotspot host, you receive an ongoing monthly commission for the operational lifetime of that referral's hotspot.
How much money can I expect to make?
It varies from month to month. There are 2 factors that determine how much you will earn:
How much your referral's hotspot earns monthly. [See Member FAQs: "How much money can I expect to make?" for more info]
For example, if you refer your Uncle Joe and his hotspot makes $250 a month, you will receive a commission of $25 per month (10%). The commission is paid for by Deelium and does not affect your referral's earnings.
How many members you refer. The more members you refer the more commissions you earn each month. There is no limit!
How will I be paid?
Members will be paid monthly and can choose to be paid by whichever service they prefer:
Direct Deposit
Mailed a Physical Check
Will I be liable for paying taxes on my earnings?
Yes, the IRS considers this earned income. Deelium treats its members and member referrers as independent contractors and each will receive a 1099 form to file with their income taxes each year. The only exception to this is if the total annual compensation is under $600, then a 1099 form is not required.
Can I refer all my next door neighbors?
Yes, however, too many hotspots too close to each other (less than 300-350 meters apart) creates too much redundancy of network coverage and can significantly reduce both you and your neighbor's potential earnings. If you aren't sure if a potential referral is too close, just send us a message and we can help you determine the ideal areas for hotspot placement around you.