Alphabet, the parent company of the tech powerhouse Google, is embarking on a new venture that pits it against Elon Musk’s Starlink in the competitive landscape of internet connectivity. The initiative, known as Taara Lightbridge, was initially conceived within Alphabet’s innovative X division, often referred to as its “moonshot” factory. Now, Taara is transitioning into an independent entity, positioning itself as a formidable challenger to Starlink in the quest to deliver high-speed internet to underserved populations around the globe.
Taara’s unique selling proposition lies in its utilization of Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) technology, which enables the transmission of high-speed internet via light over extensive distances. This approach stands in stark contrast to traditional satellite broadband methods employed by Starlink. The announcement of this strategic move was made on Monday, March 17, marking a significant moment in Alphabet’s renewed commitment to enhancing connectivity solutions, especially following the discontinuation of its Project Loon balloon initiative in 2021.
Under the leadership of CEO Mahesh Krishnaswamy, Taara is setting its sights on a staggering 3 billion individuals worldwide, with a particular focus on the 860 million people in Africa who currently lack reliable internet access. This ambitious goal places Taara in direct competition with Starlink, which has successfully garnered over 5 million subscribers across 125 countries.
Currently in the testing phase, Taara has already established operations in 12 countries and is actively working to expand its reach in regions such as Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria. The global demand for affordable, high-speed internet solutions has intensified, prompting multinational tech companies to prioritize connectivity initiatives. However, the underdeveloped state of fiber-optic infrastructure in many areas poses significant challenges to access. The high costs and complexities associated with deploying fiber optics, particularly in difficult terrains, have fueled the search for alternative solutions.
Taara Lightbridge operates similarly to an invisible fiber-optic cable suspended in the sky. Instead of relying on glass fibers to transmit light, it employs narrow beams of light transmitted through the air, achieving impressive speeds of up to 20 gigabits per second over distances reaching 20 kilometers. This innovative method leverages the shorter wavelength of light compared to radio waves, allowing for the transmission of greater amounts of data at higher speeds.
However, it is important to note that light-based communication necessitates line-of-sight connectivity, meaning that physical obstructions such as fog, rain, or buildings can interfere with the signal. To address this challenge, Taara has developed sophisticated AI-driven mirror systems that can detect, track, and maintain precise alignment between two connected units, ensuring a stable and reliable connection.
In a recent appearance on Google’s Moonshot Podcast, Krishnaswamy elaborated on Taara’s technology, stating, “We have this sophisticated set of mirrors that searches for this light signal, and the moment they find it, they lock in.” He described the creation of a compact, traffic light-sized box that houses the laser, which can be easily mounted on rooftops or cell towers.
Early deployments of Taara’s technology have showcased its potential. In India, successful tests were conducted using cell towers to establish connections between buildings in urban settings. In Africa, Taara effectively bridged the Congo River, linking the cities of Kinshasa and Brazzaville, where traditional sub-river fiber deployment was deemed impractical.
To extend connectivity to rural villages, disaster-stricken areas, and regions where conventional infrastructure is unfeasible, Taara plans to collaborate with internet service providers, telecom companies like Liquid Telecoms (a subsidiary of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group), and government entities.
While fiber-optic cables remain the backbone of conventional internet networks, their deployment can often be economically unfeasible in remote or challenging terrains. Taara’s ground-based approach presents a potentially more cost-effective alternative to satellite constellations, requiring less energy and circumventing the substantial launch and maintenance costs associated with space-based systems.
Krishnaswamy highlighted the team’s innovative vision, stating that they aim to miniaturize the Taara terminal, currently the size of a traffic light, down to the size of a fingernail. This reduction is intended to lower deployment costs significantly. “You could have the small little devices on everybody’s home with no speed breaks anywhere in between, at a fraction of the cost of the terminals, and without the time and challenges of trenching fiber,” he explained. In contrast to Starlink’s aspirations that reach for the stars, Taara is laser-focused on achieving success on the ground, aiming to revolutionize internet connectivity for millions.
