The Korean Broadcasting Commission will select on Monday a number of local firms to launch a cutting-edge technology that enables subscribers to watch TV on mobile phones or while traveling in cars.

The broadcasting body will convene a meeting later in the day and designate three firms that will operate terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) and three non-terrestrial DMB companies.

The nation's four major broadcasters - KBS, MBC, SBS and EBS - are bidding for the terrestrial DMB license to operate the free mobile TV service, while six consortiums, including KMMB, DMB Korea and YTN DMB, are vying to launch non-terrestrial services.

According to observers, KBS and MBC are strong favorites to win the terrestrial DMB bid, with SBS and EBS engaged in fierce competition over the remaining spot.

The successful bidders will apply for licenses with the Ministry of Information and Communication next month with at least two of the three broadcasters likely to start full DMB services in May.

The three non-terrestrial broadcaster licensees are likely to kick off operations later in the year as they will have to make necessary preparations virtually from scratch.

Terrestrial DMB enables people on the move to enjoy crystal-clear video, CD-quality audio and data through handheld devices, including cellular phones or in-car devices.