Alphabet, the parent company of Google, has spun off its laser-based internet company Taara from its “moonshot” incubator X, positioning it as an independent entity and a potential competitor to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network. This move allows Taara to attract external funding and pursue more aggressive growth strategies.
Taara employs free-space optical communication (FSOC) technology, which uses invisible laser beams to transmit data through the atmosphere. This approach offers ultra-fast internet connections without the need for expensive fiber-optic installations. The system can deliver speeds of up to 20 Gbps over distances reaching 20 kilometers, making it particularly suitable for underserved and remote regions.
Unlike Starlink, which relies on a vast array of low-Earth orbit satellites, Taara’s ground-based laser links provide faster and more reliable data transmission with lower latency and less congestion. The technology works by firing a pencil-width beam of light between traffic light-sized terminals equipped with sensors, optics, and mirrors.
Taara has already secured investment from Series X Capital, with Alphabet retaining a minority ownership stake. The company currently employs approximately 24 people and is actively expanding its team. It operates in 12 countries worldwide and has provided services during major events such as the Coachella festival.
The technology has its roots in Project Loon, which aimed to provide internet connectivity using high-altitude balloons. Although Loon was discontinued in 2021 due to regulatory and technical challenges, its laser technology found new life in Taara’s ground-based system.
Taara’s potential applications are diverse. The company has partnered with telecommunications providers like T-Mobile in the US, Airtel in India, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies in Africa. These collaborations aim to extend traditional fiber-optic networks with minimal construction and lower costs, particularly in areas where laying cables is impractical.
The spin-off from Alphabet’s X lab is expected to accelerate Taara’s growth and innovation. Eric Teller, head of X’s moonshot initiatives, stated that operating outside the Alphabet umbrella will allow Taara to access market capital more quickly, attract strategic investors, and scale more effectively.
As Taara transitions to an independent company, it faces both opportunities and challenges. The technology’s ability to provide high-speed internet access in hard-to-reach areas could significantly impact global connectivity. However, Taara will need to continue addressing issues such as weather disruptions and scaling its operations to compete effectively with established players like Starlink.
The spin-off of Taara represents Alphabet’s ongoing strategy of incubating innovative technologies and eventually allowing them to operate independently. This approach has previously yielded successful ventures such as the artificial intelligence lab Google Brain and Waymo’s self-driving cars.
Taara’s laser-based technology offers a promising alternative to satellite-based systems, potentially revolutionizing internet access in underserved regions, worldwide. More information is available here.
Image: Moonshot/Taara
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