Japan’s investment in super-fast Internet networks seems to have finally paid off. The country now boasts of one of the fastest broadband services in the world due to an increase in government support. Recent investments have been directed towards (optic) fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network installations which have resulted in broadband speeds of up to 1Gbps.
FFTH connections are not only fast and reliable, they are also cheap (with one of the best price to speed ratio in the world) and very affordable. In addition, the Japanese government regularly provide subsidies of up to 33% for the maintenance and upkeep of the entire network infrastructure with the aim of propelling Japan to the forefront of the fast-growing global digital economy.
In spite of all these achievements, there are still some challenges. Critics argue that many Internet users do not seem to know what to do with the super-fast broadband connection (apart from downloading television programs and viewing HD content on YouTube) and unless an extra-ordinary bandwidth devouring technology is created, investments in the networks will be wasted.
In addition, the FTTH does not yet enjoy full coverage in Japan and even the more common ADSL network service which boasts of speeds of up to 100mbps is not yet accessible to everyone. However, the Japanese government has introduced a new “zero broadband areas elimination” policy, which will spread broadband coverage to the entire country within two years, to confront this issue. Notwithstanding, Japan remains the world’s leader in connecting homes to optic fibre networks with over 30 million people connected to high-speed networks.
Consequently, other developed countries around the world are now embracing optic fibre technology with technology giants coming up with various new deals and offers, such as Time Warner Cable offers in the United States, so as not to be left behind. It is however not certain if any country can compete with the Japanese, who have already begun investing in a high-speed wireless network (WiMAX) and 4G mobile transmissions which will be closely followed by the commercialisation of 10 Gbps optic fibre networks and eventually 160 Gbps high-speed optical connection.
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unlimited mobile broadband
May 24, 2010 at 8:23 am
According to the recent survey of OECD japan has got the fastest broadband speed and lowest cost per megabit per second when compared with other countries. While US ranks 15th position in this list.
Vr1online Technology
July 11, 2010 at 7:37 am
No wonder Japan is one of the most developed country when it come technology and internet connection. For the Government that knows it, fast Broadband connection is a nice gateway to country economy and technology development.
Office Supplies
August 12, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Japan is always on top of technology.
Regina
August 13, 2010 at 3:18 am
When I search about the list of countries with fastest internet connection, the number 1 spot is Korea and Japan is only in the 3rd place. Maybe this year Japan dominated it.
power plate vibration
January 18, 2011 at 12:41 am
Actually Regina is right, I also look in the search engines if who’s country is the fastest internet connection is, and it is Korea who is in number 1.
Japan Australia
February 2, 2011 at 5:11 am
The internet in Japan is amazing as it is reasonably cheap and very fast, much better than anything here in Australia at the moment.
Business Opportunities
March 7, 2011 at 5:13 am
I think I could easily find a way to use the excess bandwidth and high broadband speeds 🙂 As some of the other commenters have stated, I am not surprised Japan already has this mapped out
John Cole
October 29, 2011 at 6:07 am
I wish the US would step things up and get faster broadband. It’s such a pain when I’m trying to download something and I have to wait hours on end. Makes me want to pull my hair out.