People living in dozens of Dutch villages are still experiencing problems with their mobile phones, according to research by regional broadcasters and the NOS.

In total, 23,000 people took part in the project to find out where the Netherlands’ mobile phone black spots are.

Residents of Drenthe and Noord-Brabant were the least satisfied with their mobile phone service. In total, 19 villages and one district in Lelystad scored less than three out of 10 for their service.

Telecoms firm KPN, one of four licenced to place mobile phone masts, said everything is being done to ensure full coverage. The company, which embarked on a major programme to boost reception nationwide in 2015, estimates less than 1% of the country has problematic reception.

In particular, it takes more time to place masts because of all the planning procedures, a spokesman said. ‘Not everyone wants a 48 metre mast in their back garden but if you want the reach, they need to be placed,’ a spokesman told NOS.