Japan's largest cable operator, J:Com, has launched what could be the world's fastest consumer broadband service, offering download speeds of up to 160Mbps via DOCSIS 3.0's channel bonding technology. That's roughly the same tech that Virgin Media is currently using to deploy its up to 50Mbps products, not to mention any future 100Mbps, 150Mbps or even 200Mbps services as hinted in recent news items.


Now for a real kick in the proverbial teeth to UK broadband users, Japanese surfers only have to pay a paltry 6,300 Yen inc. VAT for the service. This is approximately £42.13 at the current exchange rate and not far off what Virgin Media charges for its 50Mbps product in Britain.

Mercifully BT will begin its rollout of FTTC broadband next year, which will deliver speeds of up to 40Mbps to millions of UK homes (60Mbps later on). Similarly Virgin Media will complete its rollout of up to 50Mbps services by this very summer, with faster products to follow later.