Vodafone and ITN Collaborate for 5G Standalone-Enabled Coronation Broadcast

Vodafone and ITN partner to enable the first UK broadcast using a public 5G Standalone (5G SA) network for the Coronation of King Charles III, showcasing the future of cellular connectivity.
Vodafone and ITN Collaborate for 5G Standalone-Enabled Coronation Broadcast
Image Credit | Vodafone and ITN

A partnership betweenย Vodafoneย and ITN will enable the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III to be the first UK broadcast powered by a publicย 5Gย Standalone (5G SA) network. This collaboration marks the first instance of 5G SA technology being employed to facilitate aย broadcastย in the UK.

Vodafone has collaborated closely with ITN to allocate a portion of its public 5G SA network specifically for the Coronation broadcast, representing the first time a UK telecommunications company has provided a slice of its public 5G SA network for a significant event broadcast. This innovative approach showcases the potential of 5G SA technology in the broadcasting industry and beyond.

In January 2023, Vodafone became the first UK telecommunications company to test its 5G SA network for public use. Select consumers participated in trials to experience the network’s cutting-edge capabilities. By dedicating an exclusive slice of Vodafone’s public 5G SA network to ITN, the live Coronation broadcast coverage can be swiftly and securely transmitted from Westminster to ITN’s headquarters in Gray’s Inn Road, London. From there, the coverage will be distributed across the nation and the world.

Vodafone has also launched a 5G Standalone Mobileย Private Network solution, providing ultra-low latency, and high availability connectivity to empower businesses in the future. Nick Gliddon, UK Business Director of Vodafone, expressed pride in working with ITN on this groundbreaking partnership, noting that innovation is at the heart of Vodafone’s mission. The potential applications of 5G SA technology are vast and include AI, autonomous vehicles, holographic calls, IoT, and more, all of which will help drive the UK’s digital economy and usher in the next digital era.

Jon Roberts, Director of Television, Production, and Innovation at ITN, commented on the significance of the event, as it occurs 70 years after the 1953 Coronation, which was also a milestone in outside broadcasting. Roberts expressed excitement about the partnership with Vodafone and the opportunity to explore the capabilities of 5G SA technology together.

Network slicing, a key feature enabled by 5G SA, allows telecommunications operators to create separate and isolated networks for different use cases, each with distinct configurations. This is particularly beneficial for the broadcasting industry as it ensures quick and reliable upload speeds for live streaming and minimizes the risk of network congestion impacting broadcast performance, especially during large events like the Coronation.

As media organizations increasingly rely on mobile networks for outside broadcasts, achieving predictable network performance has become crucial. Although mobile private networks are commonly used, they often require heavy-duty equipment and time-consuming planning. Network slicing offers broadcasters a private mobile network for video transmission without the need for additional equipment, planning, back-office support, or spectrum licensing, all accessible via a SIM card.

Vodafone and Coventry University have also launched the UK’s first 5G SA Media Innovation Lab. This facility enables broadcasters, media companies, and software developers to collaborate with Vodafone and Coventry University experts to develop new use cases based on the high bandwidth and low latency capabilities of 5G, as well as explore the advantages of services like network slicing. Vodafone’s technology partner, Ericsson, and ITN’s technology partner, Live U, supported the testing of the capability for this partnership at the 5G SA Media Innovation Lab in Coventry. The lab provides a safe and configurable environment for developing and testing end-to-end solutions, supporting proof of concepts, and fostering innovation in the media industry.

The 5G SA Media Innovation Lab at Coventry University serves as a unique platform for stakeholders in the media sector to explore the transformative potential of 5G SA technology. By working alongside Vodafone engineers and Coventry University academics, these professionals can push the boundaries of what is possible with this new technology and develop groundbreaking use cases for the media industry.

This pioneering partnership between Vodafone and ITN demonstrates the impressive capabilities of 5G SA technology and its potential to revolutionize the broadcasting industry. As the first UK broadcast facilitated by a public 5G SA network, the Coronation of King Charles III serves as a testament to the advancements in cellular connectivity and the innovative spirit of both Vodafone and ITN.

The successful implementation of 5G SA technology in the Coronation broadcast will undoubtedly pave the way for more widespread adoption of this cutting-edge technology in various industries. From AI and IoT to autonomous vehicles and holographic calls, 5G SA promises to supercharge the UK’s digital economy and usher in a new era of innovation and technological advancement.

In conclusion, the historic Coronation of King Charles III will not only mark a significant moment in the UK’s monarchy but also showcase the transformative potential of 5G SA technology. As Vodafone and ITN collaborate to bring this event to audiences around the world, they are also pioneering the future of cellular connectivity and setting the stage for the next generation of technological breakthroughs.


Recent Content

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in System Integration

Winner: L&T Technology Services (LTTS)

Partner: Ericsson, Athonet (HPE), Indian Mobile Operator


L&T Technology Services (LTTS) has been recognized with the prestigious TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Private Network Excellence in System Integration” for its advanced Private 5G integration solutions. This award highlights LTTS’s critical role in transforming industrial connectivity by enhancing operational technology (OT) and IT network reliability, boosting safety, and driving seamless automation across large-scale industrial environments. LTTSโ€™s approach ensures optimal OT/IT convergence, increasing connectivity and operational efficiency and redefining standards for automation and network performance in the industrial sector.

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Network Assurance

Winner: Anritsu

Partner: SmartViser, Major European Airline


Anritsu has been recognized with the TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Private Network Excellence in Network Assurance” for its outstanding achievements in ensuring private 5G/LTE network performance and reliability. This award highlights Anritsuโ€™s comprehensive approach to network monitoring, business-centric KPIs, and performance analytics within mission-critical environments such as international airports. By leveraging advanced real-time monitoring, automated testing technologies, and collaborative solutions with SmartViser, Anritsu has set a new benchmark for maintaining optimal network efficiency, user satisfaction, and high-performance connectivity in complex private network scenarios.

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Sustainability

Winner: Nokia


Nokiaโ€™s innovative Private Wireless Sustainability Calculator has been recognized with the 2024 TeckNexus “Private Network Excellence in Sustainability” award for its transformative impact on industrial, environmental and social sustainability. This first-of-its-kind tool enables industries to measure, optimize, and monetize their environmental and social impact as they transition from traditional Wi-Fi-only setups to advanced Industry 4.0 use cases powered by high-performance private wireless networks and mission-critical industrial edge solutions. By providing actionable insights to reduce energy consumption, optimize resource usage, and accelerate progress toward net-zero goals, Nokia’s solution exemplifies leadership in sustainable and energy-efficient private 5G/LTE network deployments, driving meaningful progress in industrial digital transformation and sustainability.

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Innovation

Winner: Southern California Edison (SCE) & NVIDIA


Southern California Edison (SCE) and NVIDIA have received the 2024 TeckNexus “Private Network Excellence in Networks Innovation” award for their transformative Project Orca. This initiative integrates AI-driven insights with a private 5G/LTE network, transforming utility network management, enhancing reliability, operational efficiency, and clean energy integration. By harnessing predictive AI capabilities and secure, scalable connectivity, SCE and NVIDIA are setting a new benchmark for modernizing utility operations, driving sustainability, and optimizing network performance to address the evolving needs of the industry.

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Innovation

Winner: Fiducia Sports AI


Fiducia Sports AI has been recognized with the TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Private Network Excellence in Innovation” for transforming fan engagement in the sports and entertainment industry. By leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and the power of public and private 5G networks, Fiducia’s innovative platform delivers real-time player stats, immersive AR experiences, and interactive content. This seamless and personalized connection enhances fan interaction with sports events across diverse platforms, redefining the fan experience and transforming how audiences engage with sports content, regardless of their location.

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Manufacturing

Winner: Ericsson


Ericsson has been recognized with the TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Private Network Excellence in Manufacturing” for its transformative work at the USA 5G Smart Factory in Lewisville, Texas, and global deployments such as the Smart Factory Innovation Centre in Wolverhampton, UK, Atlas Copco Tools, and Toyota Material Handlingโ€™s facility in Columbus, Indiana. By integrating private 5G connectivity with advanced Industry 4.0 technologies, Ericsson has set new benchmarks for optimizing manufacturing processes, enhancing supply chain resilience, and elevating operational efficiency. This award underscores Ericssonโ€™s leadership in leveraging private 5G to drive innovation in areas such as remote inspections, predictive maintenance, and sustainable production, redefining modern manufacturing standards through secure and scalable connectivity solutions.
Whitepaper
As VoLTE becomes the standard for voice communication, its rapid deployment exposes telecom networks to new security risks, especially in roaming scenarios. SecurityGenโ€™s research uncovers key vulnerabilities like unauthorized access to IMS, SIP protocol threats, and lack of encryption. Learn how to strengthen VoLTE security with proactive measures such as...
Whitepaper
Dive into the comprehensive analysis of GTPu within 5G networks in our whitepaper, offering insights into its operational mechanics, strategic importance, and adaptation to the evolving landscape of cellular technologies....
Article & Insights
Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) have evolved from experimental satellite systems to integral components of global connectivity. The transition from geostationary satellites to low Earth orbit constellations has significantly enhanced mobile broadband services. With the adoption of 3GPP standards, NTNs now seamlessly integrate with terrestrial networks, providing expanded coverage and new opportunities,...

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Scroll to Top