Alphabet Spins Off Taara, Starlink Competitor

Alphabet has officially spun off Taara, a laser-based internet startup, from its experimental incubator, X. This move positions Taara as a direct competitor to Elon Musk’s Starlink, aiming to provide high-bandwidth internet services, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.

Taara’s technology utilizes laser beams to transmit data, achieving speeds of up to 20 gigabits per second over distances of approximately 20 kilometers (about 12.5 miles). The system is designed to be easily installed on existing infrastructure, such as poles and buildings, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional fiber-optic networks. This capability is particularly beneficial in regions where laying cables is impractical or expensive, such as remote areas or during large events like the Coachella music festival.

The startup has its roots in a previous Alphabet project called Loon, which aimed to provide internet via high-altitude balloons. However, Loon was discontinued in 2021 due to regulatory challenges. The technology developed for Loon has been repurposed for Taara, allowing it to leverage the same laser systems in a more feasible manner.

Currently, Taara operates in 12 countries and has plans to expand its services. The company has secured funding from Series X Capital and is actively hiring to grow its team. While Alphabet retains a minority stake in Taara, the spin-off is expected to allow the company to attract additional investments and scale more rapidly.

Taara’s founder, Mahesh Krishnaswamy, emphasizes that the technology can provide significantly more bandwidth than traditional satellite systems like Starlink, potentially offering 10 to 100 times more bandwidth at a lower cost. This positions Taara as a promising alternative for enhancing internet connectivity, especially in underserved regions.