Churches answer prayers in deal for hi-tech spires across mobile black spots

band providers” to “help proved connectivity”.

It includes a pledge to work with operators to draw up a standard contract that could be used for churches hosting equipment.

Under the arrangements, churches are paid a “small” sum by internet and mobile companies for the use of their buildings.

Currently, more than 100 churches are used to boost signals in local areas, after the dioceses of Norwich and Chelmsford pioneered schemes to encourage the use of their buildings to help improve the reach of high-speed internet. Only a handful presently contain equipment boosting mobile signal.

The agreement is intended to lead to far more of the Church’s 16,000 buildings housing mobile and broadband equipment, which includes wireless transmitters, aerials and satellite dishes.

Mobile UK, the industry body representing EE, O2, Three and Vodafone, welcomed the announcement, stating that where spires and towners could be used to boost signal, the operators would “extend their use of churches to increase coverage and capacity while respecting the church environment”.

The announcement of the accord comes after Ofcom disclosed that 82 per cent of properties in rural areas do not receive a 4G signal from all of the major phone networks, compared to 36 per cent in urban areas – meaning that many people are unable to access highspeed internet on their mobiles. The disclosure led to claims that those in rural areas were being “left behind”.

The agreement between the Church and Government has also been signed by Lord Gardiner, the rural affairs minister, and William Nye, secretary general of the Archbishops’ Council.

Officials said that “clear guidance” by the Church and Historic England “ensures that any telecoms infrastructure deployed does not impact on the character and architectural or historic significance of churches”.