Alphabet’s project delivers internet to remote areas in India using beams of light

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is using beams of light to deliver internet service to rural and remote areas. This new project, called Taara, is part of Alphabet’s innovation lab known as X. Taara has made progress and is now working on deploying the laser internet technology on a larger scale in India, in collaboration with Bharti Airtel, one of India’s largest telecommunications and internet provider.  

Taara aims to connect internet services in multiple countries and has partnered with companies like Econet Group, Bluetown, and Digicel. The technology used by Taara involves small machines that transmit data through lasers, providing fibre-optic internet without the need for cables. The initiative is seen as disruptive and cost-effective, particularly for building communication infrastructure in hard-to-reach places. 

The deployment of Taara in Indian villages, such as Osur, will bring high-speed internet access for the first time. The goal is to connect numerous villages across India and empower people with online connectivity. Alphabet has invested significantly in India’s digitisation, including a stake in Bharti Airtel. 

When addressing concerns about the downsides of the internet, X acknowledges the imperfections but believes improving internet content could be a separate moonshot project.