How church spires could boost wi-fi

Under an agreement with the Government, vicars will be able to rent out church steeples to internet and mobile phone providers to boost patchy service.

There are up to 1million properties in rural areas that still cannot get fast broadband.

Agreements could see contractors help with costly repair bills, while Historic England will make sure that equipment does not detract from the architectural or cultural significance of the churches.

Matthew Howett, of research firm Assembly, told the BBC the agreement was welcome but the ‘devil would be in the detail’. He said: ‘Getting access to suitable sites, particularly in rural areas, has been a real challenge for mobile operators, so any initiative aimed at improving this will be welcomed by the industry.

‘What’s not clear, though, is what the commercial relationship looks ‘We are gathered here today to test our new wi-fi signal...’ like.’ Culture Secretary Matt Hancock said the deal ‘will mean that even a 15th century building can help make Britain fit for the future’.

There are already about 120 examples of broadband and mobile services being delivered from parish churches across the country, according to the Church of England.