The Korean Broadcasting Commission has selected six local businesses to operate the next-generation digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB).

Operators for the terrestrial DMB include the nation's three major broadcasters - KBS, MBC and SBS - while the three non-terrestrial DMB companies are YTN DMB, KMMB and DMB Korea.

The KBC in a meeting Monday picked the six firms, but said it will consider using quality production skills for media content by other bidders such as EBS.

Meantime, the screening committee presented five proposals to the KBC on stabilizing the DMB project at the earliest date. Suggestions include joint marketing and infrastructure set up among operators.

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

The three non-terrestrial licensees will probably start operations later in the year, as they need to make necessary preparations virtually from scratch.

The cutting-edge DMB technology enables subscribers to watch TV or receive data on mobile phones or in cars with a crystal-clear picture and CD-quality audio.