News

Japan Sets New Record For Data Transmission Speed

The researchers have absolutely smashed their own previous achievement by transmitting data at a jaw-dropping 1.02 petabits per second.

Published

4 years ago

June 11, 2022

David Morelo

japan sets new record for data transmission speed

Shutterstock

A team of researchers from the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) in Japan is at it again. After achieving a data transmission speed of 319 terabits per second (Tb/s) last year, the researchers have now absolutely smashed their own previous achievement by transmitting data at 1.02 petabits per second (Pb/s).

Since 1 petabits is 125,000 gigabytes, it means that the team could theoretically transmit more than 31,000 movies in 4K resolution every single second. To make the record even more impressive, it’s important to highlight that it was achieved using fiber-optic cables with four cores, which is exactly how many cores were used to set the previous record.

“NICT constructed the transmission system using 4-core MCF with standard 0.125 mm cladding diameter, WDM technology and mixed optical amplification systems. The system allowed a data transmission speed of 1.02 petabit per second over 51.7 km,” explained the researchers in the official press release.

data transmission chart

The mind-blowing record was first presented in May at the International Conference on Laser and Electro-Optics (CLEO) 2022 in San Jose, California, one of the largest international conferences related to optical devices and systems.

Also Read: Microsoft Blocks Lebanon-Based Hackers Targeting Israel

Moving forward, the NICT team wants to continue exploring different ways to transmit data faster across fiber optic cables. Their main focus is on low-core-count multi-core fibers with standard cladding diameter because such cables are comparable to standard single-mode fibers and thus more attractive for early adoption.

With dozens of countries around the world actively moving from 4G to 5G broadband cellular networks, the massive amount of data being sent and received is guaranteed to continue increasing at a rapid pace. Research projects such as the one behind the latest record can pave the way for new fibers capable of meeting the growing demand and supporting new bandwidth-hungry services.

News

Syria Just Got Its First Super App Featuring Built-In Digital Payments

Built by UAE-based Syrian founders with the Ministry of Tourism’s backing, My Syria lands as visitor numbers more than double.

Published

4 days ago

August 1, 2026

Nour Nasir

syria just got its first super app featuring built-in digital payments

For most of the past decade, paying for anything in Syria with an international card was effectively impossible. Sanctions, a collapsed banking sector, and years of isolation left the country running on cash. That is what makes the launch of My Syria — the country’s first super app — more than a routine product announcement.

Developed by 121 Living, a company founded by four UAE-based Syrian entrepreneurs — Rami Kaiem, Feras Kaiem, Waseem Qudmani, and Kinan Madi — the app launched in Damascus on July 30 under the patronage of Minister of Tourism Mazen Al-Salhani. It bundles hotels, restaurants, transport, attractions, food delivery, and other lifestyle services into a single platform, currently offering eight services with plans to expand to more than 40 verified tourism and hospitality providers across the country.

Although the app already sounds enticing, the headline feature is its built-in payments. My Syria is the first platform in Syria to support cross-border digital payments through Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express — familiar tools for international visitors, and a route into the digital economy for local businesses that have long operated outside it.

my syria super app launch event

The launch rides on a sharp rebound for the troubled country. Syria’s tourism sector recorded 3.52 million visitor arrivals in the first half of 2026, a 111 percent increase over the 1.67 million during the same period in 2025 — a mix of returning expatriates, regional visitors, and international tourists.

Also Read: This UAE Platform Wants To Replace Fashion Photo Shoots With AI

The Ministry of Tourism, which supported and supervised the app’s development, frames the launch as proof of concept for a wider strategy. “Digital transformation is one of the Ministry’s strategic priorities because it enables us to build a more competitive, connected and investment-ready tourism sector,” Al-Salhani said, inviting technology companies “globally, regionally and locally” to explore opportunities across the wider economy.

For 121 Living, this is phase one, with additional services and expanded geographic coverage planned. Whether a super app can flourish in a market still rebuilding its infrastructure is an open question, but for the first time in years, a visitor to Damascus can pay for dinner with their phone.