NTT and Taiwan’s Chunghwa Telecom have successfully activated a groundbreaking communication network between Tokyo and Taipei using NTT’s Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) technology. The companies announced on Thursday that the new network significantly reduces data transmission time, achieving speeds that complete the nearly 3,000-kilometer journey in just 17 milliseconds.
By comparison, current optical lines typically require 200 to 500 milliseconds to transmit data over such a distance. This makes the IOWN-based network the first of its kind to deliver such rapid cross-border communication.
Originally proposed by NTT in 2019, IOWN represents a major advancement in optical transmission technology. Unlike standard data transmission methods, which require the conversion of optical signals to electrical signals, IOWN eliminates this step, thereby reducing delays and lowering power consumption.
The newly activated network is expected to support services like remote data backup, offering faster and more efficient communication between Japan and Taiwan. NTT also plans to showcase the potential of IOWN technology at its pavilion during the 2025 Osaka World Expo, underscoring its commitment to innovation in global telecommunications.
