BEIJING. China has introduced what it claims to be the world’s most advanced internet network, boasting speeds several times faster than existing networks. The network, capable of reaching speeds of about 1.2 terabits per second, equivalent to transferring data from 150 movies in one second, has been officially launched by Chinese tech manufacturer Huawei in collaboration with China Mobile, Beijing’s Tsinghua University, and Cernet—an education and research network funded by the Chinese government.
Although these speeds are currently theoretical and not expected to be available for consumers in the near future, the development has significant implications for businesses, facilitating faster information transfers, providing stock trading advantages, and addressing national security considerations.
In a press conference this week, Huawei and China Mobile unveiled the next-generation backbone network, covering 1,800 miles of optic fiber cables between Beijing and the south. While details about the nationwide expansion plans were not disclosed, the network is expected to support data transfers from technologies such as 5G and electric vehicles.
The network has been operational since this summer and is launching approximately two years ahead of expert predictions. Chinese President Xi Jinping previously emphasized that the backbone network’s development positions the country as “a cyber power” and accelerates the promotion of core Internet technologies.
Despite potential concerns, this advancement primarily focuses on internet infrastructure rather than home internet speeds, making it less of a direct threat to the United States in comparison to competition in areas such as AI, semiconductors, or wireless networking technology. However, it could establish a foundation for Chinese-based businesses requiring substantial bandwidth.
Wu Jianping, a professor at Tsinghua University overseeing the backbone internet project, emphasized in a press release that the entire system, including software and hardware, was developed and produced in China, under independent control. He described it as the most advanced network globally.
Coinciding with President Biden’s upcoming meeting with President Xi Jinping in San Francisco, this technological launch aligns with broader tensions between the two superpowers. While the development of this advanced network may not directly impact home internet speeds, it positions China as a significant player in shaping the future of internet technology.
Carlo Juancho FuntanillaFrontend Developer, WordPress, Shopify
Contributing Editor
AMA ACLC San Pablo
