Utah authorities discover mysterious encrypted antennas in the mountains; Search for owners

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Authorities in Utah are looking to unravel the mystery behind the antennae growing in the foothills of the Salt Lake City area. Notably, there is insufficient information about the individual or group behind the ownership and installation of the antennas.

According to Salt Lake Recreational Trails Manager Tyler Fonarow, the antennae first appeared more than a year ago, but installations have accelerated in recent months, KSLTV 5 reported Jan. 4.

In that line, city officials walked the snowy trails to remove the antennae which consist of a locked battery box, router and solar panel.

Some antennas have since been removed, and others are expected to be seized in the coming weeks, even as authorities identify the terrain as a possible barrier preventing the removal process. Some of the antennas were discovered on property managed by the Forest Service and the University of Utah.

Early investigations indicate the antennas could transmit data to a wider area, with authorities calling on owners to come forward.

“These towers were bolted to different peaks, summits and ridges around the foothills, and it started with one or two, and now it could be up to a dozen. <…> We no longer leave anything on public land. You have to ask permission,” Fonorow said.

Salt Lake City public lands officials hiked the snowy Twin Peaks trail today to remove a mysterious device (solar panel, antenna, and locked battery box). They find more in the foothills, with no explanation as to who put them there – or why. Story on @ KSL5TV at 6 pic.twitter.com/llfFXMOyLq

— Michael Locklear (@MichaelLocklear) January 5, 2023 Links to blockchain technology

Based on the composition of the antennas, there is speculation that they belong to a decentralized blockchain network.

Specifically, it is suspected that the antennas are a possible access point connecting to the Helium network. Notably, Helium is a blockchain-based wireless system with an incentivized business model that allows customers to establish hotspots that act as helium miners while providing internet connectivity.

Throughout the process, customers are only required to purchase the access point, install, and earn money by minting the network’s native token, HNT. Additionally, based on the mystery surrounding the antennas, a section of social media has alleged that they belong to off-grid helium miners.

In a January 6 tweet, KSLTV 5 reporter Michael Locklear shared a close-up image of the recovered antenna.

Interestingly, commenting on the post, some users alleged that shared devices are designed for HNT mining.

A screenshot of user comments on the mysterious Utah antennae. Source: Twitter

In the meantime, there is no official communication indicating that the antennas belong to the Helium network.

Featured image via Michael Locklear Twitter

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