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Church spires could be used to boost mobile and broadband signal in rural areas, the Culture Secretary has announced.

It comes under an agreement between the Government and the Church of England.

Guidance set out by the Church and Historic England will ensure that any telecoms infrastructure does not impact on the character and architectural or historic significance of churches, the department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said.

Around two-thirds of Anglican churches and parishes in England are in rural areas, often in the heart of their communities, and so are well-placed to tackle problems of poor connectivity.

They will be used alongside other church properties and farm buildings to host telecoms infrastructure.

Matt Hancock said: "Churches are central features and valued assets for local communities up and down the country.

"This agreement with the Church of England will mean that even a 15th century building can help make Britain fit for the future, improving people's lives by boosting connectivity in some of our hardest-to-reach areas."

More than 100 churches are already used to boost broadband in local areas, the BBC reported.

The Dioceses of Chelmsford and Norwich are supporting programmes which use church buildings to improve connectivity in rural areas.

The Bishop of Chelmsford, Right Reverend Stephen Cottrell, said: "We know that rural churches in particular have always served as a hub for their communities.

"Encouraging churches to improve connectivity will help tackle two of the biggest issues rural areas face - isolation and sustainability."

Hamish Macleod, director of Mobile UK, said: "Mobile UK welcomes this announcement from Government and the Church of England, which emphasises the benefits of mobile connectivity to local communities.

"Where there is a need, a suitable building is available and appropriate terms can be agreed, the mobile operators will continue to extend their use of churches to increase mobile coverage and capacity, while respecting the church environment."