How looking to God and the church will help deliver better broadband to rural areas

They will be used as a fixed wireless point to deliver the broadband signal across parts of the Somerset and Bath countryside.

The scheme is being piloted by the Diocese of Bath and Wells and internet provider Wild West Net in the Wellington and Somerset Levels areas.

The diocese said the scheme was aimed at people living in the most rural communities and who may not benefit from the roll-out of Government-funded superfast broadband.

“Our churches exist to serve everyone in the local community and be at the very heart of community life,” Richard Tulloch, from the diocese, said.

“There is no better way to demonstrate this than using our towers - typically the tallest buildings in rural areas - to complement the roll-out of superfast broadband in our county.”

Tim Newman, managing director of Devon-based Wild West Net, added: “We are delighted to have been approached by the Diocese of Bath and Wells and are looking forward to working with the diocese and its parishes across Somerset.”