Taara Internet Claims 10–100x Faster Speeds Than Elon Musk’s Starlink, Cheaper Than Fibre: Here’s How

Taara, a spin-off from Alphabet, has introduced an innovative internet delivery method using light-based communication.  

Promising speeds up to 20 Gbps at a lower cost than fibre, it presents an alternative to satellite services like Starlink, especially in remote or infrastructure-challenged areas. 

Taara Offers Light-Powered Internet with High Speed and Low Cost 

Taara’s system works by transmitting information through focused beams of light, termed Lightbridges. Each device, roughly the size of a traffic signal, can send data across distances of up to 20 km. With data speeds soaring to 20 Gbps, this setup can outperform Starlink antennas by 10 to 100 times, according to the company.  

Installed on rooftops or poles, these units don’t need ground excavation, cutting setup time and costs significantly. 

Taara’s pricing model claims affordability below traditional fibre networks. It aims to serve areas where cable infrastructure proves technically or economically impractical, such as valleys, riversides or distant towns. 

Initial Implementation in Africa and the United States 

Before becoming a standalone company on March 17, 2025, Taara had already started rolling out its technology. In Kinshasa and Nairobi, the system helped bridge communication gaps.  

In California, its Lightbridge devices provided internet service during the Coachella music festival. The team reports these test runs proved effective even in complex environments or large event venues. 

Experiments suggest Taara excels in "last-mile" connectivity, where fibre reach is limited or prohibitively expensive. 

Read More: Centre Allows Licence-Free Use of 6 GHz Band to Boost Next-Generation Wi-Fi! 

Miniature Lightbridge System for Easier Installation 

Taara plans to release a miniaturised chip version of its device. This chip transmits data across similar distances of up to 20 km without the need for heavy optics or mounts.  

Emitting light between visible and infrared wavelengths, the chip simplifies deployment and may further reduce operational expenses. This design reflects a structural leap from earlier mirror-based models to compact modules. 

Conclusion 

Taara’s laser-based internet system showcases a practical way to deliver high-speed, cost-effective internet over land without cables. Its trials in various global locations reflect its utility in both urban and rural landscapes short on existing broadband infrastructure. 

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