Helium Mobile CEO calls early adopters ‘parasites’ after ending free plan
Source: Android Authority
TL;DR
- Helium Mobile ended its free Zero plan for existing subscribers, forcing them onto the paid Air plan, contrary to the company’s earlier claim that current users would not be affected.
- On the MVNO’s official Discord server, CEO Amir Haleem called early adopters “parasites” and said “good riddance.”
- The comments were later edited and deleted, with Haleem noting that he didn’t mean the term “quite so broadly.”
Background
Helium Mobile attracted attention with its Zero Plan, which offered 3 GB of data, 300 texts, and 100 minutes of calls for free—no hidden fees or monthly commitments.
- Late last month the MVNO announced that the Zero Plan would be discontinued for new subscribers (source), stating that existing users would remain unaffected.
- A week later, however, existing users were moved to the paid Air plan unless they canceled, contradicting the earlier promise (source).
If you haven’t already considered your options, now is the time, especially given the CEO’s recent remarks about the company’s early adopters.
Discord Comments
A Helium Mobile community member posted on the official Discord server that the company was “throwing its members to the curb” by ending the free plan. The exchange unfolded as follows:
CEO Amir Haleem replied: “‘OG’ members are only around because they want free or near‑free stuff. good riddance.”
The comment was later deleted, but not before the original poster reminded the team that early‑user support had given Helium Mobile momentum.
Haleem equated early adopters to “parasites.”
The comment was subsequently edited to read “it came off wrong!”
Later, Haleem attempted to clarify, saying it was “annoying when people characterize things as something nefarious when they change.” He also noted that the “parasite” remark was not intended to apply broadly to the entire customer base.
Company Statement vs. Reality
Helium Mobile’s official statement on the Zero plan’s termination claimed that “Existing Zero plan subscribers are not impacted.” User reports at the time indicated otherwise, stating they would be moved to the Air plan in the next billing cycle unless they canceled. A month later, the company indeed migrated those users, directly contradicting its earlier assurance.
Conclusion
The abrupt policy reversal and the CEO’s controversial, then‑edited remarks raise concerns about Helium Mobile’s treatment of its original subscribers. Potential and current users should weigh these developments carefully when deciding whether to remain with or join the service.