The Welsh Liberal Democrats have called on media regulators to consider the provision of free digital satellite TV access.

Speaking on Friday, assembly member Eleanor Burnham said the move could compensate for poor TV reception across much of Wales.

The government remains committed to switching of the terrestrial broadcasting network, but the BBC's digital terrestrial service, Freeview, can only be received by around half of the Welsh population.

A recently published Ofcom report on the "digital switchover" commits the regulator to "consider whether regulatory intervention is needed to secure a viable free-to-view satellite proposition".

And the Lib Dems said this could address many of the reception problems experienced in Wales.

"Satellite transmission can give a near complete coverage. Freeview has been a successful service, yet access to it in Wales is relatively poor," said Burnham.

"I would urge the public service broadcasters to examine the possibility of providing a 'freeview' satellite service.

"The complete coverage of satellite makes it an appealing alternative free-to-view service. The digital television revolution must offer the Welsh viewer the best deal.

"Freeview has become increasingly popular and the price has been driven down. If a satellite service can replicate this, and be a free-to-view provider, no one in Wales will miss out on non-subscription digital television."