Sony-backed Japanese ISP So-net has launched what it is billing as the world's fastest consumer broadband service, offering downlink speeds of a blazing 2Gbps.
The GPON fiber network also offers uplink speeds of 1Gbps, Engadgetreported. So-net is around 58% owned by Sony.
The max speed is double the 1Gbps Google is offering with its high-profile Google Fiber trial network in Kansas City, and at a lower cost: So-net is offering the service for 4,980 yen ($51) per month on a two-year contract, compared to the $70 per month for Google's fiber-only package.
So-net is charging an installation fee of 52,500 yen, but is currently waving this cost for customers applying for the service online.
The service is currently available in Tokyo and six surrounding districts - Chiba, Gunma, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Kanagawa and Saitama.
The service is so fast it exceeds the capacity of most consumer broadband adapters, but will be useful for multiple high-speed connections.
Japan is well known for being among the countries with the fastest average broadband speeds in the world.