An Earth-based competitor to Starlink has been created, providing internet coverage to remote locations using lasers
Taara, a company established by the Alphabet holding, represents a novel approach to delivering internet connectivity to underserved regions through the utilization of laser technology. This entity originated from the so-called “moonshot factory X” and aims to compete with the well-known satellite service Starlink from SpaceX, as reported by the British newspaper The Financial Times.
Taara employs a system of sensors, optics, and mirrors, utilizing laser beams instead of fiber optic cables for data transmission, thereby achieving speeds of up to 20 Gbps over distances of up to 20 kilometers. This solution is significantly more cost-effective and faster to deploy than laying fiber optic lines, rendering it ideal for remote and rural areas where traditional connection methods may not be feasible.
The company is based in Sunnyvale, near Google's headquarters in Mountain View, California, USA, and employs a staff of 20 individuals.
Currently, Taara conducts operations in 12 countries, including India and certain regions of Africa. Taara also supplements congested mobile communication networks at events such as the Coachella music festival in California.
The company asserts numerous technological advantages in comparison to Starlink. Notably, its terminals can be affixed to poles, trees, or buildings within mere hours, obviating the necessity of launching equipment into space via rockets.
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