Taara launches 25 Gbps wireless internet with Taara Beam to compete with Starlink
Updated
Updated · SlashGear · Apr 25
Taara launches 25 Gbps wireless internet with Taara Beam to compete with Starlink
12 articles · Updated · SlashGear · Apr 25
Taara, a Google spinoff backed by Alphabet and Series X Capital, unveils the 17-pound Taara Beam device, offering 25 Gbps speeds via near-infrared light over distances up to 10 kilometers.
The technology allows rapid rooftop or tower installation, targets ISPs and carriers, and promises lower latency and higher bandwidth than Starlink, though it is not intended for direct consumer use.
Taara Beam complements the existing Lightbridge product, with both systems covering cities; weather remains a challenge, addressed by the Lightbridge Pro system launched in February 2026 to ensure high uptime.
Alphabet's Taara is cheaper than Starlink, but what will the actual cost be for businesses?
Can Taara's light beams truly deliver reliable internet through dense fog and heavy rain?
Is Taara's light-speed internet the ultimate 5G killer or its most crucial partner?
How will Taara's 'internet on a chip' revolutionize network infrastructure costs?
Beyond clear sight lines, what are the hidden vulnerabilities of this light-based internet?
Taara Beam Launches at MWC 2026: Delivering Fiber-Class 25 Gbps Speeds with Sub-100 Microsecond Latency
Overview
Taara, spun off from Alphabet's X lab, launched its innovative Beam technology at MWC Barcelona in March 2026, showcasing a fiber-class wireless solution with ultralow latency and rapid deployment. Targeting ISPs and mobile carriers, Taara offers flexible business models and operates in unlicensed spectrum, enabling cost-effective, fast installations across 20+ countries. Its optical phased array technology delivers high speeds with sub-100 microsecond latency but requires line-of-sight and is sensitive to weather. To ensure reliability, Taara's Lightbridge Pro system provides automatic failover to radio or fiber links. Looking ahead, Taara aims to integrate within 5G/6G networks, supported by AI-driven management, to compete in a growing market and reshape broadband access, especially in underserved regions.