6 mins, 51 secs

Average time Liverpudlians spend on mobile-phone calls (longest in the UK)

The Church of England is working with Vodafone and O2 to build antennas on churches in order to boost phone signals in areas with poor coverage.

It has agreed a new scheme with Cornerstone, the company that runs Vodafone and O2’s masts, to build 4G and 5G antennas in an “efficient, predictable and fair process”.

Churches are often the tallest buildings in rural areas, meaning they can distribute signals to a wider area. Masts have been placed on many churches over the past 25 years, but this latest scheme provides legal details that make it easier for local clergy to decide whether to add one to their own church.

Becky Clark, Director of Churches and Cathedrals, said churches don’t have to accept proposals for a mast, but the new procedure “gives them a clear way forward which protects their interests, and the building’s historic importance”.

She added: “Churches provide for the needs of everyday life, and in the 21st century mobile connectivity is a key part of that”.

Several similar schemes have already been implemented in the UK, including in rural Norfolk where local company Wispire ( www.wispsire.co.uk) works with the Diocese of Norwich to install masts on churches.

Last year, the Government agreed plans with the Church of England to allow masts to be built so that they don’t harm the character or historical significance of churches.

Matt Hancock, then Digital Minister, said “even 15th-century churches” would be able to help boost signals.

However, some networks have criticised churches for charging too much money for installing masts. In June 2018, Kye Prigg, then Vodafone’s Head of Networks, said: “It looked like they were trying to help the community but really it has been about monetising the steeple”.

Do you agree with phone masts being built on churches? Let us know: letters@computeractive.co.uk