The official launch is still two weeks off, but Sprint's XOHM network is already up and running in Baltimore and some of the surrounding suburbs. They've also released pricing information - and it's good news! You DON'T need a contract, and the prices are very reasonable: plans include a $10 Day pass, $25 monthly Home Internet service and $30 monthly On-the-go service. Special launch pricing also includes a $50 "Pick 2 for Life" monthly service option that covers 2 WiMAX devices!

Some pertinent details from the release:

• No long-term commitments or contracts are required, freeing customers from restrictive long-term subsidized plans
• Monthly home, on-the-go and day-pass Internet plans provide service choices
• A single monthly charge covers service for multiple WiMAX access devices
• WiMAX devices are purchased like other computing/consumer electronic devices
• XOHM broadband service is self-activated and includes future updates capability

If you live in the Baltimore area, check out the coverage map to see if you are lucky enough to be in the service area:


It's not incredibly wide spread yet, but there's enough coverage to give it a try.

Obviously, you will need a modem. It looks like they are launching with a $79.99 home modem, a $59.99 ExpressCard, and a USB modem. Here's a look at the MAX-206M2 by ZyXEL modem:

The ExpressCard:
And the USB modem:
Now for the bad news on these devices: neither the ExpressCard NOR the USB modem are compatible with Mac!! We hope that sometime in the near future when the network is a bit more widespread we will be able work on some sort of work-around like we did back before EVDO devices offered official Mac support, so stay tuned.

Read the full press release on 4Ginfo.com
Discuss the launch/pricing on 4G Forums