Google parent Alphabet will spin off its laser-based internet startup into an independent company, according to reports yesterday. Known as Taara, the firm is anticipated to compete directly with SpaceX’s Starlink as a means of providing high-quality internet access to hard-to-reach locations.
Starlink, which currently serves an estimated 5 million users across 100 nations and territories, uses a network of thousands of satellites to connect users to high-speed broadband. Taara’s approach relies on a land-based system of lasers beaming information back and forth to each other (watch overview). While each approach has pros and cons—laser networks don’t need to be launched into space but can be blocked if an object gets in the way—company engineers say they can transmit 20 gigabytes of information per second across more than 10 miles.
Alphabet says the company will begin by focusing on helping established telecom firms extend existing networks. See a deep dive into Alphabet’s (Google’s) history here.
Media Release/1440 Daily Digest
