NHK launched its digital terrestrial broadcasting, fully applying HD technology, on December 2003 in the metropolitan parts of Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya - the three biggest cities in Japan. The service has also started in 19 Prefectures, and the number of households who can enjoy the service is expected to reach approximately 28 million (60% of all households in Japan) by the end of 2005.  New service of digital terrestrial broadcasting for mobile reception will start in April 2006.