BARCELONA, Spain — A new technology promising lightning-fast internet connections without digging up streets or launching satellites is set to make its debut at the Mobile World Congress here next week. Taara, a startup that emerged from Alphabet's experimental X lab last year, has unveiled its latest innovation: the Taara Beam, a compact device that delivers up to 25 gigabits per second of connectivity using invisible beams of light. The shoebox-sized unit, weighing just 8 kilograms or less than 20 pounds, can be mounted on street poles or rooftops to link urban areas, provided there's a clear line of sight.
The announcement comes as cities worldwide grapple with the demands of expanding digital infrastructure, from electric vehicle charging stations to smart traffic systems. Unlike traditional fiber optic cables that require extensive trenching and regulatory approvals, the Taara Beam can be installed in mere hours, according to company representatives. This rapid deployment positions it as a rival to both ground-based alternatives and satellite services like Starlink, though Taara emphasizes its edge in latency — under 100 microseconds — which is crucial for real-time applications.
Taara's roots trace back to Alphabet's moonshot factory, X, where engineers explored ways to bridge connectivity gaps in remote or challenging terrains. Last year, the company launched Taara Lightbridge, a system designed for longer distances up to 20 kilometers, spanning rivers and mountains to connect isolated communities. Lightbridge has already been rolled out by major telecoms including T-Mobile and Bharti Airtel across more than 20 countries, helping to extend broadband to underserved areas.
The Taara Beam builds on that foundation but targets denser urban environments, with a range of up to 10 kilometers. Powered by about 90 watts, the device uses free-space optical communication, beaming data through the air via lasers that are invisible to the human eye. This method avoids the spectrum auctions needed for radio-based systems and sidesteps the physical disruptions of cable laying, making it ideal for 'middle-mile' infrastructure that carriers and enterprises rely on to shuttle data between core networks and end users.
While consumer broadband isn't the focus, Taara envisions the Beam playing a pivotal role in emerging technologies. One key application is offloading massive data volumes from autonomous vehicles. 'Electric delivery vans and robotaxis generate terabytes of lidar and sensor data daily,' Taara officials explained in a statement. When these vehicles park for charging, the Beam could rapidly transfer that information to central servers, enabling faster analysis for navigation and safety improvements.
Another promising use case involves creating high-speed mesh networks at city intersections to support vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications. This low-latency setup would allow cars, traffic signals, and infrastructure to exchange data in real time, potentially reducing accidents and easing congestion. Taara reports 'significant interest' from potential partners in these scenarios, though specific deals remain under wraps.
The technology's advantages over satellite competitors like Starlink are particularly notable in urban settings. Space-based systems, while versatile for remote areas, introduce delays due to the vast distances signals must travel. Taara's ground-based optical links, by contrast, keep data paths short and direct, achieving latencies that are 'far better than any space-based solution,' as described in the company's launch materials. However, the line-of-sight requirement means it's not suitable for every scenario — fog, heavy rain, or tall buildings could interrupt connections, though Taara claims the system is resilient to typical weather conditions.
Deployment of Taara's earlier Lightbridge product offers a glimpse into the Beam's potential scalability. Partnerships with T-Mobile in the United States and Airtel in India and Africa have connected thousands of users, demonstrating the tech's reliability in diverse climates. For instance, in regions separated by the Himalayas or vast waterways, Lightbridge has provided stable links where fiber would be prohibitively expensive. Taara anticipates similar success for the Beam in cities, where quick setup could address bottlenecks in data-heavy districts like business hubs or tech parks.
Industry observers note that while optical wireless has been experimented with for years, Taara's integration of advanced beam steering and error-correction algorithms sets it apart. The system automatically adjusts to minor misalignments, ensuring consistent performance even if poles sway in the wind. This reliability is drawing attention from telcos looking to augment their networks without massive capital outlays. 'It's a game-changer for middle-mile connectivity,' one telecom analyst remarked, speaking on condition of anonymity due to ongoing discussions with Taara.
At the upcoming Mobile World Congress, set to run from February 26 to March 1 in Barcelona, Taara Beam will take center stage in the company's exhibit hall. Attendees, including executives from global carriers and tech firms, will get hands-on demonstrations of the device's capabilities. The event, one of the largest gatherings for the mobile industry, has historically been a launchpad for innovations, from 5G prototypes to AI-driven networks. Taara's presence underscores the growing convergence of optics, AI, and urban mobility.
Beyond vehicles, the Beam could support smart city initiatives, such as linking surveillance cameras or environmental sensors in real time. In a world increasingly reliant on data flows, reducing latency and deployment times could accelerate the rollout of these systems. Taara's parentage in Alphabet's ecosystem also hints at synergies with other Google ventures, like Waymo's self-driving cars, though no formal integrations have been announced.
Challenges remain, of course. Regulatory hurdles for mounting devices on public infrastructure vary by city, and ensuring uninterrupted line-of-sight in sprawling metropolises will require careful planning. Competitors in the optical space, including startups like Xtera or established players like Nokia, are also advancing similar tech, potentially leading to a crowded market. Yet Taara's track record with Lightbridge suggests it has the engineering chops to compete.
Looking ahead, Taara plans to ramp up pilots for the Beam in select cities later this year, starting with partners in Europe and North America. The company's goal is to make high-speed optical links as commonplace as Wi-Fi hotspots, bridging the gap between fiber's reliability and wireless flexibility. As urban populations swell and data demands explode, innovations like Taara Beam could redefine how cities stay connected.
For now, the spotlight falls on Barcelona, where Taara will showcase how invisible light beams might illuminate the future of networking. With interest building from enterprises and telcos alike, the Beam's launch marks a step toward faster, more agile infrastructure in an increasingly wired world.