Verizon reports that it has tested new fiber optics tech that would deliver superfast broadband speeds up to 10 gigabytes (GB) per second, or 10 times faster than Google Fiber's data transmission rate. The telecom's wireless service NG-PON2 could use Cisco hardware to download songs or movies 100 times faster than average broadband connections, and provide up to 80 GB per second via fiber optics.
Compared to a standard broadband connections, the wireless carrier's new service is ultra-fast. The company tested it by zipping data from one of its Massachusetts offices to a house located three miles (4.8 km) away.
Customers could use the NG-PON2 network to download a two-hour high definition movie in just eight seconds, according to NBC News. On Verizon's existing system that would take 17 minutes.
Fiber optic cables, including the ones utilized by Verizon FiOS and Google Fiber send light signals over extremely thin strings of glass. Verizon explained that the new technology adds four additional colors, or light wavelengths, to the current strands. Maximum speeds of 40 to 80 GB per second are possible.
Most customers would not need such lightning-fast Internet speeds. However, as bandwidth techs such as the Internet of Things (IoT) grow in popularity, customers might later be willing to shell out more money for such connections.
Vendors such as Huawei and Alcatel-Lucent have already shown interest in the potential of Verizon's innovative tech. Applications could include 4K video and wireless networks.
Verizon said that it will offer the new NG-PON2 tech later this year, according to Fierce Telecom. It will begin upgrading its FTTP network when equipment can support switched Ethernet and other business services.