Quick question about the device and what we already know about it. It seems to operate in the 2.5 ghz range which is actually compatible with most of Rogers existing Inukshuk network in Canada. This device is not locked down to a specific service provider or requires a contract to purchase the device right?

So technically, shouldn't I be able to head down to the US on a trip and pick one of these up and get Rogers to provide the Wimax service?

EDIT: Well I watched one of the videos on the main page, and it was hinted by that demo lady that I could probably do something like that here

You are correct: no device lockdown at all (EDIT: to carriers per se).

AFAIK in Italy they are licensing WiMAX at frequencies of 3.4Ghz, while this WiMAX enabled tablet is set at 2.5Ghz.
So I suppose that us, in Italy at least, will be out of luck this round.
Unless Nokia comes out with a new EU version of the WiMAX version of the N810.

As far as I understand it the WiMAX has a pretty wide range of working frequencies, from 2Ghz up to 66Ghz.
The higher the frequency, the higher the bandwidth, the higher the battery consumption, the lower the penetration...right ?

Anyway, the choice of which frequency a WiMAX enabled device can talk on is a matter of the local government, as far as I can tell.
As usual EU and US looks like are following different paths.
EU is pushing bandwidth, while US penetration/power consumption.

In the end, the user pays for it.
If all I have written is true, then my WiMAX enabled device is already limited to only those countries that licensed the 3.4Ghz frequency and won't let me chat in the US.

Welcome to the real world, my dear.

hmm, the 810-wimax spec says 2.5GHz, and the UK freq looks set to be 2.6GHz according to this:
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/communicatio...9287208,00.htm

so maybe we'll strike lucky after all.

The device is not locked down and you can buy it w/o a contract , but compatibility is the great unknown. This device was destined for XOHM before XOHM was even called XOHM. Remember compatibility is more than mere frequency,and also includes authentication mechanisms as well as access.

are users going to have to pay for sprint's xohm service? is it going to be just another 50-60 dollar unlimited service deals like with sprint's evdo laptop card?

If you mean "have to" in the sense of "if you buy a N810WE you are automatically signing up for a service fee"? If it's anything like the GPS service on the N810 (nonWE) (almost pronounces like enui), then no. If you don't want to have WiMAX, and just want a black&amber N810, then you probably wont have to activate the WiMAX service and can use it just like the N810 (nonWE).

If you mean "have to" in the sense of "does WiMAX service cost money, or is it free with my N810WE"? ... I'm quite certain that Sprint doesn't offer XOHM on a charity or non-profit basis. So, yes, you'll have to pay for it in some fashion. :-)

Sorry, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades..

yes, but the US has a tendency to "round off" about certain frequency statements. For example, we talk here about the 800MHz cellular band ... that is really at 850MHz.

I'm not saying that that's what's being done here, but it could be, and that would make "close" count for this too :-)

I just checked and it appears that although OFCOM (office of communication) in the UK call our wimax band 2.6GHz, it's actually 2.5 to 2.692, so it looks as if the 810-we would work.