Providing internet connectivity to remote areas located outside of urban centres poses significant challenges for countries worldwide. In the United States, Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network has emerged as a solution to this seemingly impossible task.
On the other hand, tech giant Google made an unsuccessful attempt to deliver internet access through balloons. However, the company is currently focusing on a groundbreaking project aimed at providing internet connectivity through the use of light rays.
Known as Project Tara, this initiative is a part of Alphabet’s Innovation Lab X, also known as the Moonshot Factory. Company executives have revealed that the project was initiated in 2016, following the realization that internet delivery through balloons was cost-prohibitive. Presently, Project Tara is making significant progress, according to Principal Mahesh Krishnaswamy.
Reuters reports that Mahesh, along with officials from Bharti Airtel, shared that extensive efforts are underway to introduce laser internet technology on a large scale in India. However, specific details regarding the financial investment required for this launch have not been disclosed.
Krishnaswamy mentioned that laser technology is currently being utilized to provide internet access in 13 countries, including Australia, Kenya, and Fiji. Furthermore, partnerships have been formed with key players such as Econet Group in Africa, Angsansthan Liquid Telecom, Internet provider Bluetown in India, and Digicel in the Pacific Islands.
Mahesh expressed the company’s vision, stating, “We aim to be a provider where customers can access one gigabyte of internet for just one dollar.” The ultimate goal of Project Tara is to bridge the digital divide by making affordable internet access accessible to all, particularly in underserved regions.
