Japanese researchers have rewritten the rules of data transmission, achieving 1.02 petabits (Pbps) per second across 1,808 kilometres using fibre-optic cable no thicker than human hair.
To grasp the significance of this achievement, Netflix's entire content archive could be downloaded 30 times in just one second.
The breakthrough, led by Japan's National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) and Sumitomo Electric Industries, uses a 19-core optical fiber with a standard 0.125mm cladding diameter.
Unlike previous attempts limited to short distances, the tech achieved a capacity-distance product of 1.86 exabits per second x km - the highest ever recorded.
Crucially, the fiber remains compatible with existing infrastructure, eliminating costly wholesale replacement.
Global significance
While Japan pushes boundaries, everyday internet speeds elsewhere are mixed.
Singapore leads globally with 345.33 Mbps, followed by the UAE at 297.62 Mbps.
Meanwhile, Australia lags considerably, ranking 22nd globally for mobile and 79th for fixed broadband speeds, with speeds averaging 82.73 Mbps for mobile and 39.65 Mbps for fixed broadband.
To put it into context Australia would need to multiply its internet speed by a factor of >12.3 million to equal Japan's breakneck 1.02 Pbps.
As "global data traffic is projected to triple by 2030, nations with superior digital infrastructure will gain competitive advantages in AI, real-time applications, and economic productivity.
Japan's achievement reinforces its telecommunications leadership and its compatibility with current infrastructure suggests viable commercial deployment - potentially transforming international data transmission.
