Sprint launches WiMax in Baltimore using Samsung's ExpressCard modems

Sprint launched commercial mobile WiMAX service today in parts of Baltimore and Baltimore County, where it has begun offering a $59.99 ExpressCard laptop modem and a $79.99 home modem for its Xohm-branded wireless-broadband service.

The Samsung-made Express Card laptop modem and the ZyXel-made home modem, both Xohm-branded, are available through the carrier’s Xohm Web site, telemarketing group and select independent wireless retailers.

A WiMAX-equipped USB modem, notebook PCs and the WiMAX edition of Nokia’s N810 Internet tablet will be available later this year, Sprint said. In the fourth quarter, Sprint also promised availability of the first dual-mode cellular/WiMAX device, which it didn’t describe but would likely be a laptop modem.

Through its 4G Xohm network, Sprint promises average download speeds of 2Mbps to 4Mbps, exceeding the average 600kbps to 1.4Mbps download speeds of CDMA 1x EV-DO networks and the 700kbps to 1.2Mbps download speeds of AT&T’s HSDPA (high-speed downlink packet access) network in the United States.