Big news from Sprint today, sports fans. The company has finally launched its WiMax network, which is marketed under the name Xohm. Initially available only in Baltimore (of all places), this WiMax network could help usher in a new era of Internet connectivity in the United States.

First, what exactly is WiMax? It’s a so-called 3.5G wireless technology that, here, is used to deliver broadband. The big deal here is that, if the technology works as advertised, we could see entire cities (or, if Sprint plays its cards right, the entire country) turn into giant hotspots, so to speak. Sorta like, how you always expect to be able to use your cellphone, you can always expect to have an always-on broadband Internet connection.

And how much will this cost you? Right now, prices start at $10 per day, or $35 per month. That’s on top of the $45 you’ll have to pay for the compatible modem.

The service will be limited to Internet connectivity for now, even though the WiMax technology can carry regular voice data just fine. It seems Sprint has its heart set on making it work as an Internet service, at least initially.

And who wouldn’t want an always accessible Internet connection? No more depending on the random Wi-Fi hotspot while walking about town (well, Baltimore, though the service soon expands to real cities like Chicago and D.C.) in order to check your e-mail or BitTorrent the latest episode of Entourage.

Sprint takes wireless service to the max in Baltimore [USA Today]