Sprint announced the commercial launch of its XOHM WiMAX network in Baltimore. The company expects average downlink speeds of 2-4 Mbps. Sprint is offering both daily and month-to-month service options. At launch, mobile WiMAX service plans include a $10 Day pass, $25 monthly Home Internet service and $30 monthly On-the-go service. Special launch pricing includes a $50 “Pick 2 for Life” monthly service option covering two different WiMAX devices. A single monthly charge covers service for multiple WiMAX access devices. WiMAX devices can purchased like other computing/consumer electronic devices. In addition. the XOHM broadband service is self-activated and includes future updates capability.
Customers in Baltimore can now purchase XOHM-branded Samsung Express air cards for $59.99 and ZyXEL modems for $79.99 via XOHM web, telesales or select Baltimore-area independent retailers. Additional WiMAX devices such as a ZTE USB modem, Intel Centrino 2 WiMAX notebook PCs and the Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition are expected in market later this year.
Sprint also noted that its Baltimore XOHM service launch comes approximately two years after its selection of WiMAX IEEE 802.16e as a technology standard and the formation of a charter WiMAX ecosystem with Intel, Samsung and Motorola.
The XOHM WiMAX network utilizes the 2.5 GHz spectrum holdings that were combined in the Sprint and Nextel merger. XOHM uses WiMAX infrastructure developed by Samsung Electronics Corporation Ltd. and has worked with them in deployment and buildout of the Baltimore-area WiMAX network. Additional markets are in various stages of infrastructure development for commercial readiness.
Sprint also confirmed that it is on target with Clearwire to complete the anticipated combination of its XOHM WiMAX business assets with Clearwire to form a new company in the fourth quarter. This new company, to be called Clearwire, will continue to expedite the deployment of a nationwide mobile WiMAX network.
Sprint said it looks forward to becoming the first and only national wireless carrier to offer customers a dual-mode 3G – 4G device that extends the power of Sprint’s NOW network. Expected to launch in the fourth quarter, this Sprint device will operate on the nation’s largest 3G mobile broadband network and the 4G network in Baltimore and other markets as WiMAX service becomes available.http://www.sprint.comhttp://www.xohm.com
