In a move that could potentially upend traditional internet delivery methods, California-based startup Taara has broken free from Alphabet and unveiled its cutting-edge laser technology, promising faster speeds and lower costs than satellite systems.
A small team of engineers in Mountain View, led by founder Mahesh Krishnaswamy, now the company’s chief executive, has developed an internet system that relies on laser beams, rather than fiber cables or satellites. The group claims that their Lightbridge system can transmit data 10 to 100 times faster than a typical Starlink antenna, at a fraction of the cost.
Taara’s innovative approach involves using focused beams of light to send data up to 20 kilometers at speeds of 20 gigabits per second. The devices, roughly the size of traffic lights, are designed for rooftop or pole-mounted installations, ensuring an unobstructed line of sight.
Unlike traditional fiber-optic networks, which require trenching and cabling, Taara’s system can be deployed without disrupting the ground. This makes it well-suited for challenging environments such as remote towns far from any broadband infrastructure.
The technology is not entirely new, with similar “free-space optics” systems having been tested since the late 1990s. However, Taara claims to have overcome many limitations by improving beam tracking and design resilience.
Before becoming an independent company, Taara quietly rolled out its technology in test markets, including Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo; Nairobi, Kenya; and Indio, California. According to the company, these trials confirmed that the system can provide fast, stable internet in locations where laying cable would be expensive or logistically impossible.
Taara’s goal is not to replace large-scale satellite coverage but to provide high-capacity, last-mile solutions where needed most. The company intends to focus on areas that have historically been underserved by traditional providers.
The next step for Taara is the release of a miniaturized version of the Lightbridge system—a chip small enough to fit on a fingertip. This device will eliminate the need for larger mounts and optics, simplifying installation and reducing costs dramatically.
Taara’s decision to spin off from Alphabet was partly strategic, according to Eric Teller, who leads moonshot projects at X division. “They’re going to be able to get connected quickly to market capital, bring in strategic investors and generally be able to scale faster this way,” he said.
The company now operates in 12 countries and employs around 20 people. While details about manufacturing, pricing, and distribution remain limited, Taara’s next goal is to increase global availability and reduce the digital divide for the estimated three billion people still without reliable internet access.
Source: Daily Galaxy
