TIM Brasil, the country’s second-largest mobile operator, has launched high-speed 3G services in six Brazilian cities this week and aims to roll-out the network to all state capitals by the end of the year. The operator has made several 3G handsets available and has secured deals with a number of content providers. It claims the HSDPA-enabled network will offer connection speeds as quick as 8Mbps.

In a press conference this week, TIM Brasil said the network had been launched in Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, Florianópolis, Fortaleza, Recife and Salvador, using spectrum in the 850MHz band. The operator said that the network would be rolled-out to other countries, including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasília, once the Brazilian regulator released the 3G licenses TIM Brasil won in the 1900-2100MHz bands auctions late last year.

The offering includes mobile broadband, 11 TV channels and video calling. Subscribers have until 30 June to test 3G services for free after which a range of pricing tariffs will be introduced. The operator has seven compatible handsets available from handset vendors Nokia and Sony Ericsson.