Tag: Taara

© Provided by Quartz

Google’s latest attempt to power internet connectivity in Africa will involve invisible light beams transmitted at high altitudes.

Through “Project Taara,” Alphabet, Google’s parent company, is kicking off plans to provide high-speed internet over long distances using beams of light. Essentially, the project’s technology will allow for high-speed data transmission through invisible light beams between Taara terminals mounted on high up on existing towers or rooftops. Each link between terminals is projected to be able to transmit bandwidth of up to 20 gigabits per second and cover distances of up to 20 kilometers.

As part of a pan-African roll-out which will start in Kenya, Project Taara has partnered with telecoms operator Econet to equip its towers with Taara terminals to transmit beams and create links. The project has also been trialed in India and Mexico.

The move is the latest