Japanese researchers have shattered the internet speed record, clocking 1.02 petabits per second, which is roughly 4 million times faster than average Australian broadband.

The breakthrough, led by Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), used a 19-core optical fibre cable just 0.125mm wide – the same diameter as standard cables already in use.

The team successfully transmitted data over 1,802km – about the same as a one-way trip from Melbourne to Brisbane – without significant loss or degradation.

To put this into perspective, at 1.02 Pbps you could download Netflix’s entire streaming library in under a second or transfer over 125,000GB of data every second.

The key innovation lies in the use of multi-core fibre technology, allowing the cable to transmit data through 19 separate channels simultaneously.

Combined with advanced signal amplification techniques, this leap doubles the range and capacity of previous records, including a 2023 benchmark of 319 Tbps.

While this is still in the experimental phase, the tech is compatible with existing infrastructure, making future integration feasible without the replacement of undersea cables or domestic networks.

As global data demands skyrocket – driven by the likes of AI, cloud computing and 8K video – Japan’s advancement offers a glimpse into a high-speed future.

NICT predicts that commercial use could begin in the early 2030s.

The race is on as China, the US and Europe are investing heavily in next-gen fibre and 6G development.

For Australia, which continues to face NBN speed challenges, the development is a reminder of what is possible with the right investment.