Church spires across the UK will be used to boost digital connectivity in rural areas following an agreement between the Government and Church of England.

Given the positioning of churches in the heart of rural communities, the initiative is hoped to make “Britain fit for the future” by boosting connectivity in hard-to-reach areas. Farm buildings are also part of the plan to host digital infrastructure.

Telecoms is a reserved issue and the Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing has said that the UK Government should consult those affected in Scotland by any such proposals.

“Despite telecoms being reserved, the Scottish Government has been using powers at our disposal to ensure that mobile coverage is improved in Scotland, working with communities to help them build locally owned masts,” he said.