Alphabet, Google’s parent company, is entering the ultra-fast connectivity arena, openly challenging Starlink.
But instead of relying on orbiting satellites, this time it’s using lasers beamed directly from the ground. And here’s the interesting part: using terrestrial lasers to deliver internet can achieve incredibly high speeds—up to 20 gigabits per second—at significantly lower costs than satellites.
On one hand, I like it because it finally offers an alternative to the complex (and expensive) space-based network. It could even help Italy catch up, since we can’t compete with reusable satellite launchers.
On the other hand, it’s inevitable to wonder what will happen when a building, a storm, or fog gets in the way. The key limitation is line-of-sight: one obstacle and the laser signal is cut off.
In short, it’s a powerful technology—but with some physical limitations that still need to be overcome.
What’s really intriguing, though, is that Alphabet promises a connection up to a hundred times more efficient than Starlink’s. And that raises some doubts, because history shows that when someone promises this much, you have to wait for the facts.
So we’ll be watching closely. If Alphabet truly delivers on these promises, it could seriously change the rules of the game and push Starlink and others to reinvent themselves.
