TU Media, a unit of SK Telecom, said it will launch a trial of its much-awaited mobile television service via satellite.

The affiliate said it will broadcast the first signals for the Seoul test run. The new service promises to offer high-definition digital TV programming for handsets and in-vehicle mobile equipment, TU Media said.

The service requires subscribers to buy new handsets equipped with the antenna and computer chips needed to receive and process the satellite signals.

Currently only one handset, manufactured by Samsung Electronics, is available that can receive the broadcasts. TU Media will begin selling the handset, the SCH-B100, from next month with a price tag of between 700,000 and 800,000 won ($660-$754).

TU Media, a joint venture between SK Telecom and Toshiba Corp, plans to roll out commercial mobile TV services offering up to 14 video and 24 audio channels early this year, according to the company. While the prospects for commercial success remain unclear, TU Media forecasts that by 2010, it will have over 8 million customers and earn 1.2 trillion won ($1.1 billion) in annual sales from the venture.

One of the biggest hurdles facing the venture is a delayed decision by the Korea Broadcasting Commission, the country's broadcasting regulator, over when it will allow TU Media to relay terrestrial TV programming.

SK Telecom wants the broadcasting commission to let it rebroadcast the conventional TV broadcasters' programming via its new mobile TV network to help guarantee the project's commercial viability.

However, the commission has said it will not allow SK Telecom to relay terrestrial TV programs until broadcasters such as Korea Broadcasting System and Munwha Broadcasting Corp begin their own mobile TV services using terrestrial broadcasting networks.