More on XOHM: Sprint Nextel Embeds Location in WiMAX

An integral part of Sprint Nextel’s WiMAX initiative, as we previously covered in APB, will be location. Barry West, president of the company’s XOHM business unit, said that, "XOHM is based on an ultra-fast and secure access service. It will have location and presence." In differentiating XOHM from other wireless services West said that the customer is at the center of our experience. "What makes the cellular industry such a poor experience? Reason – the cost of the device requires a subsidy…[We] need to change the paradigm from having a contract to being able to come and go as you please. As we move to the next generation is to make sure we break that subsidy paradigm. We shouldn’t charge you per device but charge you per person."

The description of XOHM’s "geobrowsing" is not much different than what you expect from other location-relevant services for consumers. It will have access to local weather, events, etc. But West was looking long term to when "all" electronic devices have a WiMAX chip embedded in them…anything from washing machines, thermostats and toasters to cars and other mobile devices. West said that, "[the] ebedded ecosystem is based on having low cost WiMax chips…in the range of $3 to $15 dollars in a few years. When you get into that price range, then the BOM becomes affordable."