In the world of internet connectivity, a persistent challenge has long hindered the reach of broadband services: the “last-mile” problem. This term refers to the difficulty of connecting users to the broader internet network, especially in areas where the final segment of infrastructure, spanning just a few hundred feet to a few miles, is too costly or complex to build. This issue is particularly pronounced in rural and remote regions, where building traditional infrastructure may be economically unfeasible.
One promising solution to this challenge lies in a technology known as free-space optics (FSO). Using lasers to transmit data through the air, FSO has been explored for decades as a way to bypass the need for physical cables. Initially pioneered by NASA in the 1960s, this technology has always held the potential to transform internet infrastructure. However, its progress has been hampered by an inherent limitation: sensitivity to weather conditions. Factors like fog, rain, and air turbulence can disrupt the laser signal, and the system requires a direct line of sight between the transmitter and receiver. Despite these obstacles, FSO has a key advantage over radio signals like 5G—it doesn’t require regulatory licenses, making it simpler to deploy.
After more than 20 years of development, a Virginia-based company named Attochron believes it has made significant advancements in FSO technology. The company has created the ALTIS-7, a hardware product featuring a receiver and transmitter that aims to overcome the weather-related hurdles that have plagued previous attempts at laser-based data transmission. Attochron’s solution utilizes extremely short pulses of light and a broad spectrum to stabilize the signal, even in challenging conditions like fog and rainfall. This innovation could allow the technology to achieve the stability needed for real-world applications.
Recently, Attochron raised $15 million in funding and began low-rate production of its ALTIS-7 system. The company plans to scale up production in the coming months, with a full commercial launch expected soon. Attochron showcased its technology’s capabilities through a three-month trial in partnership with the telecom company Lumen and a major retailer. During this “proof of concept,” the laser link stretched over 1.5 miles and achieved speeds of 1.25 Gigabits per second. The company claims it has reached speeds of just over 10 Gigabits per second—on par with the best fiber-optic connections currently available to businesses.
Attochron’s journey has been long and challenging. Founded in 2002, the company spent years refining its approach to FSO technology, supported by a combination of angel investments and the backing of friends and family. Despite the slow pace, this approach allowed the company to build a solid understanding of FSO physics and develop a resilient team. In 2012, Attochron relocated to Lexington, Virginia, a location known for its variable weather, providing a testing ground for the technology’s performance under less-than-ideal conditions.
The potential applications for Attochron’s technology are broad. Bridging the last mile with lasers could be a cost-effective alternative to laying fiber optic cables, which can cost between $250,000 and $1 million for a dedicated connection. In contrast, an Attochron hardware package costs around $30,000 for a 10 Gigabit link, making it more accessible for certain applications. Additionally, the hardware can be installed quickly, often in a matter of hours, compared to the lengthy process required for laying cables.
The primary market for Attochron’s technology includes businesses rather than individual consumers, as the cost of a 10 Gigabit link remains beyond the reach of most households. Attochron plans to sell its FSO links to broadband providers, who will then offer the service to business clients for a monthly fee. The technology also holds promise in sectors like the military, where data security is crucial—laser communication between a transmitter and receiver is inherently secure. Moreover, in areas with a congested radio spectrum, such as near airports, Attochron’s solution could provide an effective alternative to traditional radio-based communication.
While FSO is not intended to replace fiber optic infrastructure, Attochron sees it as a complementary technology that can fill gaps where physical cables are impractical. The company aims to enable more flexible and rapid deployment of high-speed internet, particularly in regions where traditional broadband solutions are not viable.
Though some technical challenges remain, experts believe that Attochron’s approach represents a meaningful improvement over previous FSO technologies. The potential to provide secure, fast, and affordable broadband to underserved areas makes this a technology worth watching. As Attochron prepares for its commercial launch, the next phase will test whether this long-awaited innovation can finally become a viable solution to the last-mile problem, offering hope to millions still waiting for reliable internet access.