Sprint Redefines Mobile with 4G Launch in Baltimore (NewsFactor)
Jennifer LeClaire, newsfactor.com 37 minutes ago
Sprint on Monday launched its next-generation 4G wireless network in Baltimore. The network, which runs on WiMAX technology, could start a new era in mobile broadband.
Dubbed XOHM, the WiMAX technology extends home and office Internet connections and mobile multimedia applications in two ways. First, it lets wireless users log onto the Internet outside their four walls. Second, the network makes way for additional devices beyond Sprint phones.
As Sprint describes it, XOHM will ultimately allow wireless consumers to experience new forms of interactive communications, mobile Internet browsing, social-networking tools, location-centric services, and multimedia, including music, video and on-demand products, at faster average downlink speeds of two to four Mbps.
"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," said 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."
No Long-Term Contracts
XOHM's data-centric broadband service model offers several points of distinction compared to other wireless offerings. For example, there are no long-term commitments or contracts required. Customers can purchase XOHM-branded Samsung Express air cards for $59.99 and ZyXEL modems for $79.99.
Alternatively, XOHM customers can purchase monthly home, on-the-go and day-pass Internet plans. These 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.
WiMAX devices can be purchased the same way consumers would purchase any computing or consumer electronic device, Sprint said. Devices such as a ZTE USB modem, Intel Centrino 2 WiMAX notebook PCs, and the Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition are expected to be available later this year.
XOHM broadband service is self-activated with future updates available and customers can tap into an Internet portal called MyXohm that offers various mobile services, including local services and entertainment content, as well as security, hosted storage, and interactive communications.
Dual-Mode Device
Sprint will be the only national wireless carrier to offer customers a dual-mode 3G and 4G device expected to launch in the fourth quarter. But Sprint is not trying to shut others out. Its Open Internet business model means no restrictions on services.
In fact, Sprint said it is continuing to work with WiMAX ecosystem partners and others to incorporate the technology into a range of business and consumer electronic devices. That includes XOHM WiMAX in vehicles for navigation, news and entertainment. Nokia, Nokia Siemens Networks, Google, ZTE, ZyXEL and others are members of the XOHM WiMAX ecosystem.
Bill Ho, a research director at Current Analysis, is interested to see if XOHM gets off the ground commercially. The Baltimore launch is the first move, but the business models, innovations and commercial success are yet to be determined. Still, he said, it's an exciting development in mobile broadband.
"Even though there are some people that pooh-pooh XOHM, the concept of service that is not tied to a device and a big fat pipe, aside from technology arguments, is very interesting," Ho said. "Remember the 6k days? Remember how people celebrated when the cable model debuted? XOHM is sort of akin to that from the mobile broadband perspective."