Alphabet’s Starlink Rival, Taara, Spins Off as Independent Company

Taara, Alphabet's competitor to Starlink, is gaining momentum as it becomes an independent company.

Alphabet Spins Off Laser-Based Internet Firm Taara

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, has spun off Taara, its laser technology-based internet service, according to a report by the Financial Times. Previously part of Alphabet’s futuristic project incubator X (not to be confused with the social network of the same name), Taara is now an independent entity.

Taara: A Direct Challenger to Elon Musk’s Starlink

Taara stands out by using light beams to provide high-speed internet and telephony services in hard-to-reach areas worldwide, positioning it as a direct competitor to Elon Musk’s satellite network, Starlink. With a robust team of twenty-four and an aggressive hiring strategy, Taara has garnered support from Series X Capital. While Alphabet retains a minority stake, specific details on the initial funding or financial targets remain under wraps.

Innovative Technology to Connect the Globe

Taara’s service is currently operational in 12 countries and has provided additional connectivity for events like Coachella. The system transmits data using light beams to various terminals, boasting speeds of 20 gigabits per second over roughly 12 miles. Alphabet claims these systems are relatively simple to build and maintain, especially compared to space satellites.

Next Step: Developing a Silicon Photonics Chip

According to Mahesh Krishnaswamy, Taara’s CEO and lead engineer, the next advancement involves developing a silicon photonics chip to reduce the reliance on multiple mirrors and lenses currently used in the terminals. However, catching up to Starlink, which boasts over four million subscribers, remains a challenge. Taara does not sell directly to consumers but partners with existing telecom firms like T-Mobile to extend networks into remote areas.