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<p>The Church of England recently signed an Accord with Her Majesty’s Government to
enable churches to improve broadband and mobile connectivity, particularly in rural
areas. The Accord sets out how the Government and the Church can collaborate to help
achieve this. Companies are currently being invited to tender to provide connectivity
under a framework agreement with rural parish churches. The intention of the Accord
is to indicate to Church Chancellors and Local Planning Departments that there is
no institutional barrier to this technology being used to promote connectivity in
a manner appropriate for the community.</p><p>The Church of England is in the process
setting up a working group with interested dioceses to identify areas where further
work or guidance may be required to support the Accord. The Diocese of Blackburn is
not currently part of the working group however, the Church would welcome any additional
information from the Hon. Member for Preston about parishes in his constituency who
may be interested in offering this facility to their community. Discussions are also
ongoing with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to establish how
to progress this project further.</p>
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