This Google Spin-Off Is Building a Laser Internet Network to Connect the Next Billion Users
In a big move that might change how we get online, Taara—a company specializing in laser internet technology—has just separated from its parent company, Alphabet. This step kicks off a new chapter as Taara begins operating on its own, working on fresh ways to close the digital divide (basically aiming to bring better connectivity to more people). Based in Mountain View, California, the company is now on the hunt for direct investments and commercial partners to widen its reach.
A new era in internet tech
Taara’s fresh take involves sending data via laser beams. Its custom-made system, dubbed “Lightbridges,” can transmit data over distances up to 12.4 miles at speeds of 20 gigabits per second. These gadgets, roughly the size of a traffic light, are built for easy setup on rooftops or poles—no need for digging trenches or laying out cables (a real plus in tricky spots like rivers, valleys, or remote towns).
And there’s more on the horizon. Come 2026, Taara is gearing up to launch a mini version of its Lightbridge system—a chip small enough to fit on a fingertip. This upgrade will use a slice of the electromagnetic spectrum between infrared and visible light, offering a simple plug-and-play fix compared to the older mirror-based setups.
Getting the word out and finding its market
Early tests of Taara’s tech have already shown how well it works around the globe. Trials in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo), Nairobi (Kenya), and at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California proved the system could deliver fast, steady Internet where traditional cable work just isn’t practical. By honing in on high-capacity last-mile solutions, Taara is targeting places that the usual providers tend to skip over.
Though the company has big plans, Taara isn’t out to replace large-scale satellite services like Elon Musk’s Starlink (which uses low-Earth orbit satellites to cover the globe). Instead, Taara links specific ground points, making it a better fit for areas with concentrated demand and where solid ground infrastructure is viable.
From project Loon to going solo
Taara’s story actually starts with Alphabet’s old Project Loon, which tried to beam internet via high-altitude balloons before shutting down in 2021. The company repurposed the optical link component from that project for use on the ground, paving the way for its current focus on laser-based internet.
Since officially going independent on March 17, 2025, Taara is set on boosting the global spread of its tech. Founder and CEO Mahesh Krishnaswamy pointed out, “We can offer a connection 10 to 100 times faster than a typical Starlink antenna, and at a much lower cost.” Eric Teller from Alphabet’s X division also noted that this spin-off will help the company connect quickly to market capital, attract strategic investors, and generally scale faster (in other words, they’ll be able to hit the ground running).
Looking ahead and tackling challenges
Looking forward, Taara’s main aim is to shrink the digital gap affecting about three billion people who lack reliable internet access. Details on manufacturing processes, pricing plans, and distribution channels are still under wraps at this point.
As Taara works through these challenges and possibilities, it’s inviting partners from various industries to team up and help roll out laser internet technology on a broader scale. With ongoing innovation and smart collaborations, Taara is well-positioned to redefine connectivity worldwide and push global communication networks to new heights.
This exciting turn of events offers not just a step forward in technology but also a chance to truly empower communities by giving them access to information and resources like never before.