as much as I want 50mbit asap i dont see how they can do a nationwide rollout on the 15th unless they are expecting a very small % uptake. The thing which you have got to think about is how they are going to manage things from their end with regards to shipping new modems and stuff to people. If i remember correctly only something like 9% of virgin customers are 20mbit users so maybe they think only 3% will be 50mbit which will be alright i suppose, it might not be too much work for them.
Realisitcally though, if you were planning to release a new service you would do it area by area (as much as i hate the thought of waiting) because it is the only way you can manage equipment demand and monitor the level of service and load on the ubrs etc etc.
So as much as i would love them to announce 50mbit on Monday (early xmas present
) I cant see them doing it. If they do the whole thing is going to be one big mess and we'll be waiting for our modems to arrive this time next year.