Japan has just shattered the world record for internet speed by reaching an astonishing 402 terabits per second (Tbps) using standard optical fiber technology, a groundbreaking achievement that could transform the way data is transmitted globally without the need for entirely new infrastructure.
This feat, accomplished by researchers at Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), utilized advanced wavelength division multiplexing and cutting-edge signal processing, proving that even existing fiber optic cables can be pushed to deliver unimaginable speeds.
To put it in perspective, 402 Tbps is fast enough to download nearly 50,000 full-length HD movies in a single second, opening up endless possibilities for the future of streaming, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and communications.
While this technology is still in the research phase and not yet ready for commercial rollout, it offers a glimpse into a hyper-connected future where internet speeds are no longer a bottleneck, and it reaffirms Japan’s place at the forefront of digital innovation on the world stage.

