Sprint VP Bin Shen has announced that the carrier's WiMax network - "XOHM," as they're calling it - will launch in select markets within the next few days.  The soft launch rollout will include Baltimore, Chicago, and Washington, DC for now in preparation for an official launch sometime during Q2 of 2008.

PhoneScoop is reporting the news along with word that while Sprint has already tested a number of data cards for use with the 4G service, laptops with embedded WiMax chips and then WiMax compatible handsets will be rolling out next year.  No information was given on who, if anyone, Sprint is planning to partner with on XOHM in the wake of their recent split with WiMax partner Clearwire.  Keep your eye on this one, kids - while T-Mobile still hasn't launched their 3G network, Sprint's already leading the way into our broadband everywhere future.

Read more on PhoneScoop from here.