Internet users in Japan are the first to benefit from the world's fastest home broadband service.

Internet service provider (ISP) J:Com is using technology similar to that used by Virgin Media in the UK to offer customers connection speeds of up to 160Mb.

J:Com, operated by US firm Liberty Global, is the largest ISP in the country and is working with companies including Motorola to develop the network.

Reports suggest that consumers in Japan are paying just over £42 per month for a subscription to the super-fast internet service.

Virgin Media currently offers the fastest broadband in the UK, launching its super-fast 50Mb service earlier this year. A subscription to the 50Mb broadband-only package costs £50 per month, although consumers can combine this with a phone service for £35.

The firm's Chief Executive Neil Berkett recently said that the company will offer connection speeds higher than the 60Mb BT plans to provide once it completes its next-generation network in 2012.