Mobile providers are preparing to install antennas in church spires across the country, after ministers and bishops signed an agreement aimed at using the Church of England's buildings to help obliterate blackspots.

A new "accord" between the Government and the Church sets out a joint plan to improve "connectivity" in rural areas by making use of spires and towers, following the successful use of the structures to improve access to high-speed broadband in two dioceses.

The new agreement, signed by Matt Hancock, the Digital Secretary, and Dr David Walker, the Bishop of Manchester, following a summit in December, states that the Government and Church will work with both "mobile and broadband providers" to "help deliver improved connectivity".

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

Currently more than 100 churches are used to boost broadband signal 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 currently contain equipment boosting mobile signal. The agreement is intended to lead to far more of the Church's 16,000 church buildings housing mobile and broadband equipment, which currently includes wireless transmitters, aerials and satellite dishes.