by High in the foothills near Salt Lake City, Utah, a strange mystery has been unfolding since late 2022. Unauthorized antennas, equipped with LoRa fiberglass antennas, locked battery boxes, routers, and solar panels, have been appearing on public lands—some as high as 7,000 feet on Mount Wire. Despite ongoing investigations, their purpose and origin remain a mystery as of February 2025. Let’s dive into the details of this intriguing case and explore the theories surrounding these mysterious devices.
What Are These Antennas?
The antennas are sophisticated setups, each consisting of:
- A LoRa fiberglass antenna (used for long-range communication).
- A locked battery box (likely to power the device).
- A router (for data transmission).
- A solar panel (to keep the system running off-grid).
Officials have found about a dozen of these installations, often placed in remote, hard-to-reach locations. Their presence has raised eyebrows and sparked countless questions.
Theories About Their Purpose
While no one knows for sure why these antennas were installed, several theories have emerged:
1. Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network (AREDN) Units
Some believe the antennas could be part of an AREDN system, which uses radio waves to create emergency communication networks. Amateur radio enthusiasts often set up these networks to provide connectivity during disasters.
- Learn more: https://www.arednmesh.org/
2. Motus Wildlife Tracking Systems
Another theory suggests the antennas might be part of the Motus network, which tracks wildlife using radio signals. However, this seems unlikely, as Motus systems are typically installed with permission and in collaboration with researchers.
- Learn more: https://motus.org/
3. WiFi Repeaters
The devices could be WiFi repeaters, designed to extend internet access to remote areas. This theory aligns with the use of routers and solar panels, but it doesn’t explain why they were installed without permission.
- Learn more: https://www.three.co.uk/
4. Helium Crypto Mining Hotspots
The most popular theory is that the antennas are part of a Helium crypto mining operation. Helium miners use similar setups to mine cryptocurrency by providing wireless network coverage. The DIY solar off-grid design of the Utah antennas closely resembles Helium hotspots. However, neither Helium nor authorities have confirmed this theory.
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- earn more: https://www.radioworld.co.uk/helium-
- hotspots-crypto-miners?srsltid=AfmBOoqfLcOK2awDkN7nbaEhzjU9pvuQ8R2IqCDnSKZ451RCMOZkoCu9
Why Is This Still a Mystery?
Despite years of investigation, the mystery remains unsolved. Here’s why:
- No Clear Ownership: The devices were installed without permission, and no one has come forward to claim responsibility.
- Limited Resources: Salt Lake City’s Department of Public Lands stopped investing resources into solving the mystery in 2024 due to budget constraints and limited expertise.
- Remote Locations: The antennas are often placed in hard-to-reach areas, making investigation and removal difficult.
What’s Being Done?
Authorities have been working to remove the antennas as they are discovered. Placing these devices on public lands without permission is illegal, and officials are determined to protect the environment and public safety.
The mystery has also captured public interest. Salt Lake City Public Lands even reached out on social media for information about the towers’ origins, but so far, no leads have panned out.
Why Does This Matter?
This mystery isn’t just about strange antennas—it’s about the intersection of technology, privacy, and public land use. Who installed these devices? What are they being used for? And why were they placed in such remote locations?
What’s Next?
As of 2025, the case remains unsolved. Will we ever know the truth? Only time will tell. For now, the antennas stand as a reminder of how much we still don’t know about the world around us.
Join the Conversation
- What do you think these antennas are for? Share your theories in the comments!
- Have you seen anything like this in your area? Let us know!
- Follow us for updates on this and other unsolved mysteries.
The mystery of Utah’s unauthorized antennas is far from over. Stay tuned—and keep your eyes on the hills! 🛸
