The basics
When it comes to internet connectivity, you need to split it into two main sections. The connection and the delivery.
The connection part is vital. This is HOW your church connects to the internet. In a traditional residential environment this will usually be via copper or fibre cable. In a church environment this isn't always suitable.
The delivery is what most people regard as the WiFi. Whilst it's true that WiFI is the predominant method of connection, internal cabling is still necessary for the access points (which you might regard as dishes, discs or aerials) and often for services such as printers, computers and some audio/video equipment. Access Point placement and cable installation is a serious consideration when it comes to delivering reliable signal.
Fixed Line Internet
Just like you'd find in any residential installation. A cable connecting your building to the nearest pole or underground chamber. We always look into the possibility of fixed line services at every church.
Mobile Internet
Using specialist 5G/4G equipment we can take a mobile phone signal from any of the main service providers and convert that into a useable internet connection for delivery as WiFi within the church. Quick installation and great results!
Satellite Internet
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connections such as Starlink — with new services such as Amazon Leo emerging — can deliver fast internet connectivity even in remote locations. A useful, if sometimes costly, alternative where Fixed Line and Mobile Internet aren't suitable.
Why Work With Litenet?
We've been working with Churches since 2020, providing internet connectivity and WiFi to help them stay relevant in the modern world.
We work closely with the clergy, church wardens, PCC and DAC representatives to answer questions, allay concerns and build trust throughout the project
These historic buildings require care and respect, and it's one of the reasons why we genuinely enjoy working in them.
We provide a complete, managed solution, taking care of the contracts and communication with service providers from start to finish and beyond. No more dealing with overseas call centres, no trying to decipher the jargon. We translate all of that into plain English, handle all of the support in-house and take care of the billing for you.
Much of our church work comes through recommendations and referrals. Our ‘can do’ approach and willingness to explore every option means we work hard to find a solution that suits both the church and the building.
The Process
Design
Installation
Installation
Working in buildings like churches requires a lot of thought and planning. DAC guidelines around the country are very similar and we're very good at identifying existing cable routes, fixing equipment in sympathetic ways, and working with the parish team to understand exactly what we can and can't do.
We start with the connectivity options. We have specialist tools available to us to see if fixed lines are available, where the nearest mobile masts are, we use Google Maps, parish websites and may even ask for photographs from you to help determine what's possible.
Once we know what the connectivity options are, we'll discuss whereabouts you need WiFi signal, what your uses are and how you'd like it all set up. If this is a step beyond your technical capability, we can offer advice and suggestions to help. We can even visit site for a full survey if necessary, although additional charges may apply depending on distance.
Once the design has been agreed, we will issue a non-binding proposal for your Parochial Church Council to consider. Don't worry, we know these things can take time and raise further questions, that's why we will be on hand to answer them whenever they arise.
If you choose to accept the proposal we move on to the next stage...
Installation
Installation
Installation
Once you're booked in we will take care of everything. Whether that's dealing with getting a fixed line installed by BT (or others), ordering and configuring WiFi equipment, or getting an unlimited-data SIM card. It's all done by us.
Our engineers will turn up with all the necessary equipment, cables and fixings and begin the installation. Our engineers are fully trained and experienced and have been working with listed and historic buildings for many years. They take more care than they would in their own homes.
In most cases we will run light coloured cable, usually grey or white, to reduce the visual impact. The WiFi access points are installed in areas to provide the best coverage to the areas you need it, like the vestry or church office, or out near the contactless giving terminals.
Once the installation is complete we will carry out a survey to make sure the signals are doing what they should without interference. If you've got one of our telephone lines we will set up the phone for you and show you how it all works.
The passwords will be set up, and handed over ready for you to use straight away. Now you're connected!
Support
Installation
Support
Sometimes things go wrong, sometimes things need changing, sometimes you just need to ask a simple question.
We provide ongoing support for all of our sites with internet connections.
The support page at the top of this website will allow you to create a ticket straight into our helpdesk at any time of the day or night. Alternatively you can call our main phone number, or email support@litenetuk.com
We take all of the hassle for you. We have remote access to the equipment, allowing us to perform diagnostics, make changes and see the general health of the system.
If it's a service provider issue you still don't have to worry, we take care of that for you too! No sitting in a queue waiting for BT to answer, no trying to find the "number" of the mobile SIM. One interaction directly with Litenet Support and you can forget about it.
Our ticketing system ensures you are always updated on the status of any support requests as soon as they happen.
Even if it's as simple as changing the WiFi password, we'll do it all for you.
Funding your installation
We believe in keeping church connectivity affordable. We use the same supplier and manufacturer relationships as our commercial business to deliver good value for money, while still using equipment we know will be reliable for the long term.
Our aim is to provide the best value for that money.
The equipment we use is some of the most reliable on the market, and our installations are backed by decades of industry experience, helping us get the installation right first time. That means your initial investment isn't wasted on equipment that only lasts 18 months, or "have a go" locals that spend your money on something that doesn't really work for you.
When it comes to funding your internet and WiFi there are two considerations:
- Purchase and installation - typically a one off payment to cover the purchase of the equipment, cable, fixtures, fittings and the effort that goes into installing it.
- Ongoing monthly subscription - as with any internet service, there's a monthly cost to provide the service. These vary depending on what services are provided, and who the underlying service provider is.
Grants
Ask around, funding may be available for church connectivity projects, particularly where the installation supports wider community use, accessibility, heritage or the long-term sustainability of the building. Dioceses, local authorities, charitable trusts and national funding organisations may all be worth investigating.
There are compelling arguments for installing internet in your Church, particularly if you have meaningful historic significance, community involvement, or general public interest. Highlight these in any approach for funding so that whoever holds the purse strings can understand the benefits and reasons for undertaking such an installation.
Community Fundraising
People can often be more generous with their donations when there's a specific cause behind it. We've seen local congregants and parishioners become extremely generous when it comes to modernising and protecting their local Church. A small local campaign can be very successful, we've seen residents in some villages raise funds in a matter of weeks, and in some cases individual donors have offered to fund an entire project! Throw in a cake sale and a few coffee mornings and you'll soon be there.
Other good avenues to investigate are local businesses. Donations can often help give them tax relief and you might consider offering a small bit of advertising in return, perhaps a mention in the parish gazette or a little plaque by the door.
Helping to offset the cost
Good connectivity can help a church generate additional income as well as improve day-to-day operations. Contactless giving, increased building hire, events and community use can all contribute towards the cost of the internet and WiFi service
For example, one church told us that since they put in WiFi and contactless giving they have increased donations by over £300 per month, with no reduction in cash giving or other donations.
The same increased monthly takings also pay the small monthly fee for the internet subscription.
It's also possible that a better "connected" Church can benefit from increased hire fees, more bookings and a higher "dwell" time at coffee mornings, cake sales and other community events.
Several hirers at our Church Hall also use the wifi network – this includes loading items to Facebook and other platforms. There is a company who run their office space out of the hall and they need wifi access to operate. Litenet were very helpful in setting up the system
Chris, Churchwarden, High Wycombe