A laser-based solution for internet connectivity is being introduced.
Alphabet, the parent company of a well-known tech company, has launched Taara Lightbridge. This new internet service aims to offer high-speed internet to a significant population in Africa that lacks reliable internet connectivity.
Taara utilizes lasers instead of satellites, employing Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) technology to transmit light beams through the air. This innovative approach enables speeds of up to 20 gigabytes per second over distances of up to 20 kilometers.
The service is currently undergoing testing and is operational in several countries, with plans for expansion in Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria.
Unlike other solutions like Starlink, Taara is not designed as a last-mile connection but as a complement to existing network infrastructures, making it potentially more cost-effective to implement on a larger scale.
Taara’s technology, although limited by obstacles like rain or fog obstructing the line of sight, offers a promising alternative for regions where traditional fiber deployment is challenging.
Ultimately, the goal is to provide reliable internet access to Africa, regardless of the technology employed.