MORE than 80% of Wide Bay residents have made the switch to digital television as the December 6 deadline gets closer and closer.

Digital Switchover Taskforce executive director Nerida O'Loughlin said yesterday the taskforce would dramatically increase their presence on the Fraser Coast over the next four months to ensure the area was fully switched over.

Ms O'Loughlin said the taskforce expected many of the remaining 17% who still used analog television to be elderly people or those on a pension.

More than 30,000 people in the region have already received letters through Centrelink to let them know they had access to a government-funded program.

The program supplies a free high-definition set top box, installation and an in-home demonstration for people who cannot access help from friends and family.

Ms O'Loughlin urged people who received a letter to take it seriously and not leave the switchover to the last minute.

“We think it is pretty on track,” she said.

“We'll be ramping up our communication into communities to remind people the deadline is coming.”

Cooloola Coast residents who have experienced bad reception during the switch-over were assured technical issues were being repaired.

“It is a particularly difficult area,” she said

The taskforce and local liaison officer Murray Smith will attend events on the Fraser Coast over the next three months to talk about access to government help and problems affecting local areas.

Visit www.digitalready.gov.au for more information or phone 1800201013.