Sprint announced today that its XOHM WiMAX broadband service went live today in Baltimore. This is the first WiMAX deployment by a major mobile provider in the United States.
“This is truly an historic day with the birth of a completely new Internet-based business model that alters the dynamics of the traditional telecom industry,” explained Barry West, president of Sprint’s XOHM business unit. “Wireless consumers will experience WiMAX device and XOHM service innovation on multiple levels as the computer, Internet, telecom and consumer electronics industries converge to redefine wireless mobility.”
Sprint will offer a number of mobile WiMAX service packages. Customers can now choose a USD$10 Day pass, a USD$25 monthly Home Internet service and a USD$30 monthly On-the-go service. A promotional USD$50 “Pick 2 for Life” monthly service option covering two different WiMAX devices is also available.
Right now, WiMAX device selection is limited. Customers can buy a XOHM-branded Samsung Express air card for USD$59.99 or a ZyXEL modem for USD$79.99. But by the end of the year, more WiMAX-enabled devices, including Intel Centrino 2 WiMAX notebooks and the Nokia N810 Internet Tablet – WiMAX Edition, should also be available. Sprint is also promising a dual-mode 3G – 4G device but reveals little about it.
As for additional deployments, Sprint has little to say right now: Additional markets are in various stages of infrastructure development for commercial readiness.