Cingular Wireless, the largest US mobile carrier, launched its 3G network in 16 cities, becoming the first mobile network operator in the world to deploy a 3G network based on HSDPA (high speed downlink packet access) technology. The Atlanta-based company, a joint venture between AT&T and BellSouth, said its BroadbandConnect service would be available initially in cities such as Austin, Dallas, Houston, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, San Diego, San Francisco and San Jose. The service, which is designed to deliver broadband-style data connection to mobile users, will eventually be available to nearly 35 million people throughout the US.