Singapore-listed Thai mobile phone operator Total Access Communication (DTAC) says it has started a trial for its third-generation mobile broadband in Bangkok.

DTAC is conducting the trial based on high-speed packet access technology over its existing 850-megahertz frequency.

The four-month trial will cost an estimated 100 million Thai baht or about 4.23 million dollars.

The firm says the main purpose of this trial is to ensure that the value chain is prepared for commercial operations later on.

The trial area will initially cover only certain spots in inner Bangkok and will eventually include other areas in the city.

The trial service allows 2,000 selected users to access mobile broadband from notebook computers free of charge throughout the trial period.

At the beginning, the trial will focus on connecting to mobile Internet through computers only and excludes voice and other services.

3G services allow users to transfer data and download content at substantially faster speeds than second-generation technology.

It also enables more sophisticated applications such as video telephony, television on mobile phones and e-commerce transactions.