What is Taara Lightbridge Internet? Faster and Cheaper than Elon Musk’s Starlink and Jio-Airtel Broadband

The internet world is abuzz with news about Taara, a company that delivers internet using beams of light. Once part of Google’s parent company Alphabet, Taara now operates independently and promises internet that is faster than satellite connections and, in some cases, even cheaper than fiber broadband.

Laser-Powered, High-Speed Internet

Taara leverages laser technology to provide high-speed, cost-effective internet. The system, called Lightbridge, transmits data through beams of light. According to reports, Lightbridge can deliver data over a range of up to 20 kilometers at speeds of 20 Gbps, offering a promising alternative to traditional broadband and satellite internet services.

How the System Works

The network uses devices roughly the size of a traffic light, which can be installed on rooftops or poles. For optimal performance, the light beam must not be obstructed. While the concept of light-based internet is not entirely new, Taara has enhanced the technology to make the devices smarter, more efficient, and easier to deploy.

Applications and Benefits

Lightbridge is particularly useful in areas where conventional internet infrastructure is difficult or expensive to install, such as riverine regions, valleys, and remote locations. Taara tested its system while part of Alphabet, deploying it in cities like Kinshasa (Congo), Nairobi (Kenya), and parts of California, USA. The tests were reportedly successful, delivering fast and stable internet at a fraction of the cost of traditional satellite antennas.

According to CEO Mahesh Krishnaswami, Taara’s system can provide internet up to 100 times faster than a standard Starlink antenna while being more affordable.

Future Plans: Finger-Sized Devices

Taara plans to launch a compact, finger-sized version of the Lightbridge device later this year. This smaller device will reduce installation costs and simplify deployment. It will transmit data using infrared and visible light waves, maintaining a range of up to 20 kilometers.

With this innovation, Taara aims to bridge the digital divide by bringing high-speed internet to regions that have so far remained unconnected, offering an exciting alternative to current satellite and fiber broadband networks.