Alphabet’s light-based internet project, Taara, has transitioned into an independent company, setting its sights on rivaling SpaceX’s Starlink in the race to connect underserved communities.
Utilizing laser technology to transmit high-speed data, Taara aims to provide a faster, more affordable solution for regions where traditional fiber infrastructure is impractical. Alphabet will retain a minority stake as Taara moves to expand its global reach.
Laser Beams: Taara’s New Approach to Connectivity
Rather than relying on fiber-optic cables, Taara’s system sends data through tightly focused beams of invisible light, achieving speeds of up to 20 gigabits per second across distances of 20 kilometers.
This laser-based method isn’t just about speed. It’s designed to bypass the challenges associated with laying cables in difficult terrain, offering a flexible alternative for rural and hard-to-reach areas. This approach eliminates the need for extensive groundwork, making rapid deployment possible.
Mahesh Krishnaswamy, founder of Taara, emphasized the system’s capabilities, stating, “Taara can provide 10, if not 100 times more bandwidth to an end user than a typical Starlink antenna, and do it for a fraction of the cost” (WIRED).
However, laser-based systems come with their own challenges. Atmospheric conditions such as heavy rain or fog can affect transmission, meaning reliability could fluctuate in certain climates.
Nonetheless, Taara’s team believes that advancements in beam alignment and resilience are making these systems increasingly robust. The integration of a dual-mirror solution allows for rapid re-alignment when environmental disturbances—like tower sway or birds—disrupt the path of the laser beam.
From Traffic Lights to Fingernails: Taara’s Compact Photonic Chip
One of Taara’s most notable advancements is its new silicon photonic chip, which consolidates the capabilities of previous large-scale equipment into a device small enough to fit on a fingernail.
The chip leverages software-based beam steering, replacing the mechanical components that made earlier systems bulkier and harder to deploy. In outdoor tests, the chip successfully transmitted data at 10 Gbps over one kilometer, proving its potential for scalable deployment.
Beyond connecting rural regions, the compact hardware opens possibilities for rapid internet installation in urban centers or at large-scale events. Taara demonstrated this by providing temporary high-capacity bandwidth at large events, eliminating the need for extensive groundwork.
The chip’s versatility extends beyond connectivity. Its potential applications range from improving data center operations to facilitating safer communications for autonomous vehicles. However, industry observers have pointed out that real-world performance across various geographies remains to be fully validated.
Global Expansion and Fast Deployment
Taara’s technology is already in use across 13 countries, including Kenya, Australia, Fiji, and Ghana. In India, a partnership with Bharti Airtel is focusing on extending coverage to rural communities through laser technology.
The system’s flexibility was also demonstrated by providing rapid, high-capacity bandwidth at events like Coachella without the need for extensive groundwork (Financial Times).
According to Taara, the technology can be deployed within hours, significantly reducing installation time compared to traditional cabling solutions.
In Ghana, Taara’s system has been used to establish invisible light-beam networks connecting communities, effectively creating what the company describes as “an invisible fiber cable in the sky” (LinkedIn).
Rivaling Starlink in a Competitive Market
Taara’s entry as an independent entity places it in direct competition with Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite-based internet service. Starlink’s constellation of low Earth orbit satellites has been instrumental in extending connectivity to remote regions and, more recently, to inflight services with major airlines like United Airlines.
By comparison, Taara’s terrestrial system sidesteps the need for costly satellite launches and offers faster deployment timelines.
One advantage Taara touts is its minimal dependency on radio spectrum, which can be congested in urban areas. Its light-based approach also reduces the risk of interference, a common concern in high-density regions.
Moreover, with installations completed within hours, Taara presents a quicker path to connectivity compared to Starlink’s more infrastructure-heavy model.
Yet, Taara will need to address potential scalability concerns. While its laser systems excel in controlled scenarios, unpredictable environmental factors could challenge consistent long-term service.
As an independent venture, Taara is seeking further investment to accelerate the expansion of its technology. The company aims to broaden its presence, focusing on regions with limited connectivity infrastructure.
The development of their silicon photonic chip is seen as a stepping stone toward mass-market viability, reducing costs and simplifying deployment.
Taara’s leadership believes that the combination of compact hardware and adaptable installation models could reshape internet access, particularly in regions where connectivity has lagged.
