Japan Sets New World Record in Internet Speed with 402 Tbps on Standard Fiber
In a remarkable technological feat, Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) has established a new global benchmark for internet speed, achieving an astonishing 402 terabits per second (Tbps) using standard optical fiber.
This breakthrough, reached in March 2024, is over 1,000 times faster than the typical household internet connection, which generally offers speeds in the megabits per second (Mbps) range. It also significantly outpaces Japan’s previous record of 319 Tbps set in 2021 and the University College London’s (UCL) 2020 record of 178 Tbps.
Network engineer Ben Puttman presented the findings, highlighting the massive leap in data transmission capabilities and the future potential of next-generation internet technologies.
Globally, the fastest average internet speeds currently available to consumers are seen in the UAE, clocking in at 291.85 Mbps, followed closely by Singapore and Hong Kong. In contrast, the UK offers gigabit-speed connections (1 Gbps), though the national average remains at approximately 110.99 Mbps. At the lower end of the spectrum, areas like the British Indian Ocean Territory report average speeds as slow as 2.38 Mbps.
Japan’s achievement represents more than just a record—it signals a future where ultra-high-speed internet may become a reality, reshaping global connectivity, digital infrastructure, and the way we interact online.