Sony Launches Internet Service Offering Twice the Speed of Google Fiber 268
An anonymous reader writes "Sony Japan has announced that its own Internet service provider So-net Entertainment has launched what is thought to be the world's fastest Internet connection for home use in Japan with download speed of 2 Gbps on average. This speed is twice as fast as competing high-speed fiber connections in Japan. The ultra-fast connection, known as Nuro, will cost an inexpensive 4,980 yen ($51) per month- offering download speeds of 2 Gbps and uploads of up to 1 Gbps."
And it's in Japan (Score:4, Insightful)
Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't Japan already have better connection options than the US? I know that it's fast, but how is this particularly notable?
Re:And it's in Japan (Score:3, Insightful)
Yes, but what's the point of comparing it with Google's fiber when they aren't even in the same part of the world?
Unless they're planning to set up their network in a part of the world where Google is also thinking about setting up a network, the comparison is completely meaningless.
Hmmm ... (Score:4, Insightful)
I don't know how Sony treats people in Japan, but for me Sony would be the last company I would trust as my ISP.
People who install root-kits on computers are going to go to great lengths to look out for their own interests. They also don't have the greatest track record for security.
I'm probably just a tad bitter and cynical, but there's a lot of ways in which my distrust/dislike of Sony would make me think this isn't something I'd want. They'll probably be doing DPI and everything else shady you can imagine.
Re:And it's in Japan (Score:5, Insightful)
Yes, but what's the point of comparing it with Google's fiber when they aren't even in the same part of the world?
Unless they're planning to set up their network in a part of the world where Google is also thinking about setting up a network, the comparison is completely meaningless.
Because Google is held up as the shining example of what the telcos *could* be providing us... yet in Japan Sony is offering twice the speed for less cost. So maybe Google's offering is not the holy grail of home internet and telcos should be doing better.
Re:And it's in Japan (Score:1, Insightful)
Re:And it's in Japan (Score:5, Insightful)
I think we all understand the difference in population density and how that affects the cost to provide infrastructure services. That plays a big part in how places in Japan can offer better price and performance than places in the US.
So what's the excuse in NY, SF, Chicago, Boston and other high density cities that have a population density greater than Tokyo? If Google can wire up low-density Kansas City and Austin, why can't the telcos figure out how to make money wiring up a neighborhood full of high density apartment buildings?
Re:Hmmm ... (Score:2, Insightful)
You do realize that sony is a massive company and the division that would run the isp is not the same division as Sony BMG?
If you didn't know, see divisions don't necessarily know what the others are doing and they definitely don't get a say in their decision making. When you grow up and start working for a company, you'll start to understand this.
If you did know, well shame on you for circle jerking over "evil sony". Give it a break already, it happened 6 years ago. they apologized, learned their lesson, and they haven't done it since. What more do you want? Kazuo Hirai to personally come to your home and blow you? Get off it.