Sony-backed service provider So-net has launched what it claims is the world's fastest internet, Digital Spy said citing Engadget.

The Nuro broadband network in Japan offers download speeds of 2Gbps and sends data up at 1Gbps, making it almost twice as fast as consumer speeds in the West.

Nuro customers receive an optical network unit with three-Gigabit ethernet ports and support for 450Mbps over 802.11 a/b/g/n.

So-net are demanding a 52,500 yen (£352) installation fee plus 4,980 yen (£33) per month for the service on a two-year contract. Customers who sign up online will not be charged the hook-up fee.

Nuro is limited to the Chiba, Gunma, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Tokyo, Kanagawa and Saitama regions of Japan.

Google Fiber is considered the fastest home internet service in the US, offering download speeds of 1Gbps.