The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) recently launched the Kizuna Satellite (pictured above with the launching H-2A rocket) — a satellite that promises to provide internet access much, much more faster than current cable and DSL connections.

According to the JAXA press release: “The new technology would enhance Internet connections in the Asian region with a promise of 1.2 gigabytes per second.” The satellite will be beaming the connection through satellite dishes which are to be installed in the soon to be connected areas (not only in Japan, but also in other Asia Pacific countries). Current average ADSL connection is a measly 8 megabytes per second.

With the new speed, more advances can be made in other industries as well – those that are dependent on reliable and fast internet access. The agency announces that the speed “will make possible great advances in telemedicine, which will bring high-quality medical treatment to remote areas, and in distance education, connecting students and teachers separated by great distances.”

Aside from the immense speed upgrade, the satellite will also provide connection that is not limited by infrastructure; therefore providing connection in formerly untapped areas such as mountains and islands. This also makes the connection much more reliable since it does not rely on infrastructure that is vulnerable to disasters.

The launch was made possible through a tie-up with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and was made from the Yoshinobu Launch Complex at the Tanegashima Space Center. The satellite costs $342 million and is expected to be in use for five years. It will begin transmitting and receiving data in July.