Vodafone has teamed up with Channel 4 to produce a three part prime time series that brings to life the infinite possibilities of 5G. The Rough Guide to the Future series, presented by tech evangelist Kevin McCloud, will feature stories around new technology and the importance of 5G in making them a reality.
Developed and project managed by Wavemaker Content, Rough Guide to the Future will be amplified by social media content, digital activation and the traditional TV spot. The prime time entertainment series is the first advertiser-funded programme from Vodafone to air on terrestrial television. It will be broadcast on Channel 4, and the first episode will air on Wednesday 12 February at 9.00pm.
The UK roll out of 5G is the biggest technology evolution since the emergence of the smartphone. Although it offers seismic potential for businesses and the public, allowing us to live and work better through 5G-enriched applications and enabling huge innovation, many consumers currently perceive its key benefit as just significantly faster download speeds.
The TV series investigates the effect 5G-powered technology will have on our lives in a humorous, relatable and entertaining way. Across three 60 minute long episodes, McCloud will challenge a group of cynical celebrities to discover how 5G is driving the latest in technical innovation. This includes sending comedians Jon Richardson and Phil Wang, and presenter Alice Levine, to far-flung destinations including China, Japan and America, where they encounter robotic butlers, lab-grown meat, driverless cars and other futuristic tech.
Max Taylor, consumer director, Vodafone UK, said: “We want the public to know that our investment in 5G, which sees us offer it in more places than any other network and at no extra cost, is about so much more than lightning-fast download speeds. It is about connecting us for a better future. This new series brings to life the huge possibilities that 5G can unlock in areas as diverse as robotics, sustainability, and communication. I hope it will inspire the nation as to the potential of 5G.”
Vodafone is the only network operator with 5G roaming in 108 place across Europe including 40 locations in the UK and 68 across Germany, Spain, Italy and Ireland.
Rough Guide to the Future was commissioned by Channel 4 Science and Adventure Commissioning Editor Jonah Weston. It was produced by Boundless (part of Fremantle UK) with executive producers Ben Mitchell and Jack Kennedy.
