Mobile TV service coverage in Beijing will be dramatically expanded from May 1 when more programs and an enlarged coverage area begin.

China Broadcasting Beijing Co Ltd (CBBC), which operates the media using CMMB (China Mobile Multimedia Broadcast) technology, said on Monday that it would also offer more value-added services from then.

Li Zhanjun, the company's vice-chairman, said users will be charged 12 yuan a month to get the service.

At present, those receiving the service do not have to pay, but they will not be able to continue receiving the service unless they subscribe. CBBC expects at least 600,000 people to sign up.

Mobile TV is now being received by 95 per cent of the area inside the city's Fifth Ring Road. CBBC hopes that from May, all districts and suburban counties will be covered.

"Our products and services will not only target trendy young people, but even migrant workers," Li said.

The expanded coverage will include a channel made for mobile TV users, in addition to the three CCTV and one BTV channels now being received.

Services such as financial and share market information will also be provided. In addition, content made specifically for mobile TVs - such as short programs - will be available.

CMMB can be received by a dedicated mobile TV and other specially equipped devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, MP4s and laptops.

In Zhongguancun, an area where a lot of electronic equipment is sold, mobile TV products have become a hot seller.

Sun Meiling, a vendor at the Top City Electronic Mall, said half her counter consisted of mobile TV products.

"They are popular and are inexpensive, too," she said.

Mobile TV was used during the 2008 Beijing Olympics - the first time the Games was broadcast through the new media.