Sprint today took the wraps off its Xohm wireless network in Baltimore, Md. Xohm, which uses Samsung WiMAX technology on the 2.5 GHz spectrum, offers faster download speeds than current 3G wireless networks. For instance, while AT&T's fastest HSDPA network claims speeds up to 3.6Mbps, our real-world tests have rarely topped 1Mbps downloads. Sprint's Xohm network hopes to average 2-4Mbps average download speeds, which is a great, though perhaps not revolutionary improvement over the current technology. Xohm network devices will operate somewhat faster while stationary than on-the-go, which means that the network will also be marketed as a home broadband replacement.
The Xohm-enabled hardware
Initial devices available for use on the Xohm network focus primarily on heavy data usage. Wireless cards from Samsung, and modems from companies like ZyXel and ZTE will bring data access to laptop and desktop machines, while the Nokia N810 Internet Tablet will be the only standalone portable device available at launch. Besides Sprint's obvious voice pedigree, the company seems to be taking an ambivalent view of voice over Xohm. Instead, the network will follow an "Open Internet" business model, with few restrictions on the type of Internet App that will work on the service.
Among the first device makers on board are laptop manufacturers like Acer, Asus (check out the Asus F8va here), Lenovo and Toshiba. All of them have announced new or upcoming laptops that will come will include onboard suport for integrated Xohm networking. Of course, we'd really like to see some of those new netbooks, like the Asus EEE PC or the Acer Aspire One, start earning their keep by integrating the fast WiMAX abilities. We think this would make those machines much more compelling.
A new way to buy wireless
It is this aspect of the Xohm network that has us most excited. While faster network speeds were always inevitable as networks evolved, we're excited to see Sprint embrace a new pricing and buying structure in the new network. The Xohm network is available without any contracts. Users simply buy a device and activate their plan through a unified Web site. Pricing will range from $10 for a single day's use, to $25 for a stationary modem or Xohm-enabled device, up to $30 per month for a mobile device. Sprint will also initially offer a $50 deal for two devices. (full story Link)
The Xohm-enabled hardware
Initial devices available for use on the Xohm network focus primarily on heavy data usage. Wireless cards from Samsung, and modems from companies like ZyXel and ZTE will bring data access to laptop and desktop machines, while the Nokia N810 Internet Tablet will be the only standalone portable device available at launch. Besides Sprint's obvious voice pedigree, the company seems to be taking an ambivalent view of voice over Xohm. Instead, the network will follow an "Open Internet" business model, with few restrictions on the type of Internet App that will work on the service.
Among the first device makers on board are laptop manufacturers like Acer, Asus (check out the Asus F8va here), Lenovo and Toshiba. All of them have announced new or upcoming laptops that will come will include onboard suport for integrated Xohm networking. Of course, we'd really like to see some of those new netbooks, like the Asus EEE PC or the Acer Aspire One, start earning their keep by integrating the fast WiMAX abilities. We think this would make those machines much more compelling.
A new way to buy wireless
It is this aspect of the Xohm network that has us most excited. While faster network speeds were always inevitable as networks evolved, we're excited to see Sprint embrace a new pricing and buying structure in the new network. The Xohm network is available without any contracts. Users simply buy a device and activate their plan through a unified Web site. Pricing will range from $10 for a single day's use, to $25 for a stationary modem or Xohm-enabled device, up to $30 per month for a mobile device. Sprint will also initially offer a $50 deal for two devices. (full story Link)
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