Sprint Outlines WiMAX Launch Plans

USA based Sprint has announced new Xohm mobile Internet business agreements involving web portal services and WiMAX network access devices. The company also named an advertising agency of record to help launch the Xohm brand in the United States.

The company said that a soft launch of Xohm mobile Internet service is underway with employees in Chicago, Baltimore and Washington DC, in preparation for commercial WiMAX service launch beginning later this year in select U.S. cities.

"Sprint is delivering on its Open Internet vision with exciting and differentiated WiMAX services," explained Barry West, president of Sprint's Xohm business unit. "The new service agreements and device commitments will help Xohm subscribers access, enjoy, store and secure personal digital and user-generated content while experiencing new device innovation."

Xohm Portal services partnerships

Amdocs has been awarded a multi-year agreement for software and services in support of the launch and operations of Xohm mobile Internet. This includes building and maintaining the Xohm Internet portal, customer relationship management, service activation and provisioning, and billing operations.

SwapDrive is providing a hosted storage solution where Xohm subscribers can secure, organize, manage and access all their user-generated digital content though the Xohm portal from any device with a supported browser.

eTelecare Global Solutions is providing voice and e-support customer care services.

McAfee will implement online security products for PCs used on the Xohm WiMAX network.

WiMAX embedded device momentum

OQO intends to embed WiMAX wireless capability in an ultra mobile PC (UMPC) in 2008 and ASUSTek, of Eec PC fame plans to produce a line of WiMAX-embedded devices for availability during 2008.

Zyxel and chip supplier Sequans have announced a collaboration to produce a WiMAX modem subscriber device for mobile Internet data and voice services, which will debut with the launch of commercial Xohm service.

Advertising agency partner selected

Soho Square, a WPP company, has been named advertising agency of record to help launch the Xohm brand in North America. As part of this relationship, Xohm will leverage resources from a wide range of WPP companies including Ogilvy and Mindshare/GroupM.

Posted to the site on 8th January 2008