Taara, an innovative internet company utilizing laser technology, is transitioning from Alphabet's X incubator into an independent entity. Designed to rival Starlink, it aims to provide high-speed connectivity to underserved areas. The company, employing about two dozen individuals and operating in numerous countries, has demonstrated its capability with laser data transmission of up to 20 gigabits per second over distances of 20km. Taara intends to offer a swift and cost-effective alternative for challenging installations where fiber is impractical, emphasizing its efficient terminals. The company is also developing a compact chip slated for release in 2026.
"We've realised over time that for a good number of the things we create, there's a lot of benefit to landing just outside of the Alphabet membrane. 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."
Taara's current tech involves firing a narrow beam of light from one traffic light-sized terminal to another, with transmission of up to 20 gigabits per second over 20 km (almost 12.5 miles) distances.
The terminals can be mounted on towers, and are quicker and cheaper to install than laying fiber - especially when you need a signal to reach an island, cross a river, or arrive at some otherwise hard-to-reach location.
Last month the company announced that it has condensed its tech into a much more compact chip, which it expects to launch in a product in 2026.
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