Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is entering a new competition with Starlink, a project that is now a separate company. Taara Lightbridge, previously developed under X, aims to challenge Starlink in providing high-speed internet to underserved areas. Taara utilizes Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) technology to transmit high-speed internet through light over long distances, unlike traditional satellite broadband.
Announced on March 17, Alphabet’s move signifies a renewed focus on connectivity solutions following the closure of Project Loon in 2021. Taara, under the leadership of CEO Mahesh Krishnaswamy, aims to connect 3 billion people worldwide, including 860 million in Africa lacking reliable internet access. The company will compete directly with Starlink, which has gained over 5 million subscribers in 125 countries.
Although still in the testing phase, Taara is operational in 12 countries globally and is now concentrating on expanding its services in Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria.
The demand for affordable high-speed internet solutions has led tech companies to explore new technologies as fiber-optic infrastructure remains underdeveloped in many regions. Taara Lightbridge functions like an invisible fiber-optic cable in the sky, transmitting light through the air to achieve speeds of up to 20 gigabits per second over distances of up to 20 kilometers.
Light-based communication offers faster data transmission due to light’s shorter wavelength compared to radio waves. However, line-of-sight connectivity is necessary for this method, making it susceptible to disruptions from obstacles like fog or buildings. Taara has developed AI-driven mirror systems to ensure a stable connection by detecting and maintaining alignment between connected units.
Early deployments have shown promising results, such as successfully connecting buildings in urban environments in India and bridging the Congo River in Africa. Taara plans to collaborate with ISPs, telecom companies, and governments to extend connectivity to rural areas and regions where traditional infrastructure is impractical.
While fiber optic cables are the backbone of internet networks, their deployment in remote areas is costly. Taara’s ground-based approach offers a potentially more cost-effective alternative to satellite systems, requiring less energy and avoiding launch and maintenance expenses.
Krishnaswamy mentioned that the Taara team is working on shrinking the terminal size to reduce deployment costs, aiming to provide seamless connectivity at a fraction of the current cost.
While Starlink focuses on space-based solutions, Taara is determined to achieve victory with its ground-based approach.