Virgin Unveils Its 50Mbit Cable Modem

Author Gordon Kelly
Published 7th Nov 2008
Virgin Unveils Its 50Mbit Cable Modem
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It will be the UK's fastest nationwide broadband service when it launches and clearly that as-yet-unknown-date is imminent...

How can we know? Well Virgin Media has kicked off a viral campaign for the stunningly quick package today as it revealed the stylish new modem that will be provided to all customers looking to access these breakneck speeds. And here it is:


Taking cue from the ever fashionable piano black, the device has to meet key specs to attain its ballistic top end including:

  • EuroDOCSIS 3.0 / DOCSIS 3.0 Operation
  • EuroDOCSIS / DOCSIS 1.0 / 1.1 / 2.0 Compatible
  • Support for four channel bonding
  • Ethernet Interface (RJ-45) (10/100/1000 Mbps compatible)
Complicated these may sound (Ethernet aside) but in essence they are fundamental in establishing and maintaining what will represent a new high watermark in mainstream broadband connections. Of course, Virgin is well placed to make these jumps since - unlike BT which began an extensive and long-term £1.5bn fibre optic roll-out in July - Branson's baby already uses fibre optics across its entire cable network.

Equally interesting, is that while DSL based technologies see performance drop off markedly with increased distance from an exchange, cable is only affected by customer congestion meaning outside peak hours you can expect to hit almost all, if not all, of your quoted speed. Late night download nirvana...

So, now we just await pricing and availability. Please Virgin, tells us - after all, we've been teased with your 50Mbit service since November 2007...

Link:
Virgin Media

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Latest 4 of 18 Comments

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comment snowspond said on 8th November 2008

I amd a Virgin customer and until 2 Thursdays ago no problems. Old ntl modem started playing up so I disconnected it by removing the fibre connection. when it came back up no longe... more

comment alchobot said on 8th November 2008

agree Jon + Darkspark, I'm on 2GB now but used to have premium service. try downloading a game patch or mod now that's over 1GB, you won't be able to play till the f... more

comment Gerry said on 8th November 2008

NTL/Virgin broadband is a complete load of rubbish. Every time I try to use Skype with video their service goes up and down like a fiddlers elbow. Their bandwidth is ridiculouly ov... more

comment Pbryanw said on 8th November 2008

I must be one of the few who actually like my Virgin connection. I'm paying for 10Mbit and getting it. As for the traffic-shaping, I just leave my downloading until after 9pm... more

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