I think the key for making this work sooner rather than later are dual-mode cards that also work off of Sprints EVDO network as was mentioned. They also need to get a little more creative with the rate plans than they are currently offering for data.

Thanks Kevin, I will do my best to keep you guys in the know. Your points are the same as many. It will be interesting to see what finally happens. I read an article today that says LTE will not possibly be deployed until 2012. In that same article it says that XOHM/ Clearwire will need 2 years to get WiMAX on every tower that they need. And then the quote was “And two years in this business is a lifetime”.

Great update on coverage and performance Ron, thanks! I like the solution that WiMAX provides, but my issue is that there are perfectly viable alternatives with vastly larger footprints available. My fear is that by the time WiMAX is truly nationwide, LTE will already have legs. We’ll have to wait and see.

Well thanks to the JKOTR post (referencing Dave Zatz blog post) I went ahead and jumped on board. The price was right and my house is right on a green “Island” (if you look at coverage Map from XOHM you will get the Island humor. The speeds are killer but the system in the Maryland Suburbs of DC are just not ready. When I am out and about the drops are way too many. But when you get connected, I do average 5000 kbps UP and 1000 kbps down. For $30 a month for first 6 months and $45 after, it will work for me. I do have TMO and VERIZON and SPRINT connectivity as backups so I can risk it. For someone who is dependant on one service and not a multiple device / service geek, Ron says it is not close to ready yet.

NOTE: This system is NOT officially launched in DC so this has to be taken into account. But for a system rumored strongly to launch in November, it cannot be close to launch yet based on my experiences and those from others I have read who basically say the same.

In summation, here is my thoughts. If you are happy sitting down in a known XOHM coverage spot and getting connected and getting some killer speeds, then fine. But if you desire to be mobile and it is mission critical to connect where you are and when you want, EVDO A on VZW or SPRINT (cant say TMO yet) is still the clear cut choice from what I am seeing.

Coverage Tidbit: For Suburban MD, Montgomery County, MD Readers I can tell you this, I can get service in Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg. (some of Germantown but very little). The XOHM website does have the Washington DC Coverage to date available so you can check the places you want to see. Go to: http://www.xohm.com/apps/coverage-tracker/