Sir David Attenborough to front new 5G app to win public confidence

Albertina Lloyd
EMBARGOED TO 0001 WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 30 File photo dated 7/10/2019 of Sir David Attenborough. Countries are being urged to commit hundreds of billions of pounds in funding to protect nature in a global campaign backed by Sir David. Conservation organisation Fauna and Flora International (FFI) is launching the Our One Home campaign, calling on governments and businesses to prioritise protection and restoration of nature and wildlife.
Sir David Attenborough is to front a new 5G app part-funded by the government. (PA)

Sir David Attenborough is to be the face of a new government-funded 5G app - to demonstrate the benefits of the new technology to the public.

The 94-year-old broadcaster and naturalist's new BBC documentary series The Green Planet will be accompanied by an AR (augmented reality) app using 5G technology to see exotic plants and animals in their own surroundings.

The Green Planet app has won funding from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport’s 5G Create competition.

Read more: Sir David Attenborough may not film abroad again as he dreads flying

Minister for Digital Infrastructure said Matt Warman: “This cutting-edge app, fronted by broadcasting legend Sir David Attenborough, is set to be an inspiring example of how new technology can reconnect us with the natural world whilst demonstrating the power of 5G to a huge new audience.”

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson (left) and Sir David Attenborough at the launch of the next COP26 UN Climate Summit at the Science Museum, London.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Sir David Attenborough at the launch of the UN Climate Summit in February 2020. (PA)

Sir David’s five-part documentary series The Green Planet is expected to be broadcast in 2022 and viewers who download the accompanying app will be able to see “meticulously detailed graphics of exotic plants and animals" as if they were right in front of them.

Augmented reality superimposes virtual objects into users’ surroundings.

The app will be available in "set locations" around the UK to users who have a 5G enabled device. These are yet to be decided but could include parks, visitor attractions like Kew Gardens and even urban environments.

In April, the government called the suggestion that 5G masts cause coronavirus a “crazed conspiracy theory”, while a number of scientists spoke out to debunk the alleged link.

Read more: Why Sir David Attenborough thinks some zoos are justified

Meanwhile, Sir David’s has received the Covid-19 vaccine, his representative has confirmed.

The TV presenter told The Telegraph last month: “At 94, I think I'm entitled! I'm sufficient of a scientist still, I hope, to realise this is the thing to do."

David Attenborough smiles at a ceremony for the naming of the RRS Sir David Attenborough at Camel Laird shipyard, Birkenhead, England, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019. (Asadour Guzelian/Pool Photo via AP)
Sir David Attenborough has been vaccinated against COVID-19. (AP)

It's not known which vaccine Sir David has had, but he has received the first of two doses, in the same week it was revealed The Queen - who is 94 - has also been vaccinated against coronavirus.

Other notable stars to have been vaccinated in the UK include The Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith, 80, actor Sir Ian McKellen, 81, performer Lionel Blair, 92, actor Brian Blessed, 84, and 87-year-old actress Dame Joan Collins.

Watch: Sir David Attenborough discuss his show ‘A Perfect Planet’

Advertisement