NTT Sets World Record for 2 Tbps Wireless Transmission in Sub-Terahertz Band

Summary

NTT set a world record for wireless data transmission at 2 Tbps over a 100-meter distance in the sub-terahertz band, utilizing an OAM-MIMO multi-beam scheme. The majority of the system operates in the analog domain, significantly reducing latency and power consumption. The company positions this result as a bridge toward 800G/1.6T-class wireless connectivity for AI data centers and RAN feedback.

Why it matters

AI workloads are pushing inter-node data volumes beyond what copper and even fiber can economically scale to. A truly high-capacity wireless alternative could reshape data center connectivity and mobile feedback architectures. If the analog-heavy OAM approach proves consistent beyond the lab, it could offer a cable-free path that overcomes the infrastructure bottlenecks associated with fiber deployment.

Highlights

• 2 Tbps over 100 meters in the sub-terahertz band — a new wireless speed record
• Analog OAM-MIMO processing reduces computational latency and power consumption to a few percent compared to digital baselines
• Targeted for AI data center distributed computing and RAN base station connections where fiber is not feasible

Critical take

A 100-meter outdoor demo under controlled conditions is a meaningful laboratory milestone. However, this result remains far from the reality of multi-kilometer, multi-user, and weather-resistant RAN or data center connections in production environments. NTT acknowledges that the next steps involve long-term field trials and integration with existing systems. Therefore, the 'world record' emphasis carries the risk of overstating a technology that is years away from commercial deployment.