Since November 2007 Virgin Media has been teasing UK costumers with a possible 50Mbps broadband service, one year later it seems that we are closer than ever to discover the wonders of 50Mbps speed.

Last week Virgin Media announced the launch of a 50Mbps cable modem that will be used to surf on UK’s fastest broadband service.

Virgin Media started a viral campaign with some shots of this new high speed modem. After seeing the first shots this will certainly be a modem that you’ll want to show off to your visitors, stylish curves and a glossy piano black finish give a modern and sophisticated look to Virgin’s ultra fast modem.

Underneath this stylish bodywork you will find:

* 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)

Sounds complicated but these specs are fundamental in establishing and maintaining what will represent a new standard in mainstream broadband connections.

One last thing to highlight is that there is only one Ethernet port on the back, which seems a bit selfish but I suppose that anyone looking to use this beast will already have a suitible Gigabit switch as the core of their home network all ready.

Now we’ll have to wait and see if Mr. Branson will make this service available, rumours are that we may see it before the end of the year.