Over one million people could wake up to televisions that do not work in the next five years, if the experience of switching off the analogue signal in Whitehaven, Cumbria, is repeated across the nation.

Early this morning Whitehaven became the first town in Britain to go digital only, meaning old sets, without attached digital equipment, can no longer receive EastEnders or Coronation Street or any other programme on BBC One and ITV1.

However, about 500 homes, which would typically account for 1,200 people, are not thought to have bought or asked for help in getting Freeview or other digital television equipment, such as a satellite. That amounts to around 2 per cent of the town's population.

There are 25 million households and just over 60 million people living in the UK. Two per cent of the total population would amount to 500,000 homes and 1.2 million people.

The body responsible for the switchover, Digital UK, said that it was pleased with the result. A spokesman said it was “human nature” for some people to leave the upgrade to the last minute, and that the UK had done well in comparison to Finland and Sweden, where in making the change 5 to 10 per cent of people waited to the end.

People in Whitehaven, though, have been subject to an intense information campaign, and Digital UK has set up four advice centres. Funding of £1 million has been made available out of a total budget of £600 million, although if spending on Whitehaven was replicated nationally, £1 billion would be needed.

There are no free last-minute upgrades available for people who hold out, although people over 75, the blind and people on certain benefits are eligible for help in getting one television set converted. That help costs £40 for those who do not receive any benefits.

The rest of the UK will switch over gradually between next year — starting with the Scottish-English borders — and 2012, when London will be among the last to transfer. Viewers get more channels on digital, with more than 30 available on the subscription-free option, Freeview; while the broadcast spectrum freed up will eventually be sold by the Government. Freeview boxes start from £20, although an improved aerial and new video recorder may be required.

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