Researchers in Australia claim to have recorded the highest speed of internet data.

A team from the universities of Monash, Swinburne and RMIT recorded a data rate of 44.2 terabytes per second (Tbps).

At that speed, users can download more than 1,000 high definition movies in less than a second. According to Ofcom, UK speed is currently around 64 megabits per second (Mbps), according to a recent study.

The researchers said they achieved the new record speed using a device that replaces about 80 lasers found in some existing telecom devices, with a single piece of equipment known as 'micro-comb'.

The result was the largest amount of data ever produced by a single optical chip, which are used in modern fiber optic systems around the world.

The Australian team hopes their findings provide an insight into what Internet connections might look like in the future.

Bill Corcoran, a lecturer in electrical and computer systems at Monash University, said: "What our research shows is the ability of the fibers, which we already have on earth ... to be the backbone of communication networks now and in the future. "

"And it's not just Netflix we're talking about here," he added. "This data can be used for cars and transportation in the future and can help the pharmaceutical, education, finance and e-commerce industries, as well as enable us to read with grandchildren from miles away."