The Korea Communications Commission says Norway, with the help of South Korean technology, will launch its digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) service this week.

The commission said Norway-based DMB service provider Norway Mobile TV (NMTV) will begin commercial service of terrestrial DMB in the capital city Oslo on Friday, with equipment provided by South Korea.

NMTV will provide six video channels and 15 audio channels free-of-charge, with plans to expand the number of channels to nine in the near future.

The service provider was established jointly by Norway's national broadcasting station, NRK, and two private broadcasters. Last November, the president of NMTV visited Seoul to request assistance and consultations for terrestrial DMB services.

The KCC says other countries such as Italy, the Netherlands and France are considering offering a similar service.