The Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)-based mobile operators will conduct trials for offering third generation services in January. Chinese equipment manufacturer ZTE Corp will provide the technology for conducting the trials on either Tata Teleservices or Reliance Communication's mobile network.

The move comes after the Department of Telecom agreed to allocate radio frequency in the 1900 Mhz band to the CDMA operators.

If the trials are successful, the CDMA subscribers will be able to get cheaper 3G services as the cost of rolling out services in the 1900 Mhz is much cheaper than any other band identified.

This is because globally, operators use the 1900 Mhz band for CDMA 3G services, which makes the equipment cheaper due to higher volumes. If the trials fail, then the operators will have to look at rolling out the high-speed data services at higher costs.

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