Despite the lack of any official announcement related to its imminent (or eventual) release, Robert Shoesmith from Coventry, UK is planning to camp out in a queue with the hope that he will be the first to be able to purchase an iPhone 5.

When Apple announces the device’s release date, Shoesmith plans to be the first in line, and says he intends to queue up for as long as it takes—as much as a month, by his estimate.

According to blog-fueled rumours and speculation, the phone’s release date will be announced sometime this month and will be made available to the public shortly thereafter.

To fund his stint on the sidewalk in front of London’s Covent Garden store, Shoesmith will be accepting donations from corporate sponsors and private individuals willing to support his stakeout.

According to Twitter updates, @shoesmith81 (who is former trash collector turned marketing specialist) has begun packing for his stay on the sidewalk in anticipation of Apple announcing a release date.

Robert Shoesmith will be joining the show via Skype to discuss the “iPhone 5 Experiment.” His webcam was donated by Skype in support of the project.

These are some of the social media elements featured in this episode of The Stream.