WASHINGTON DC (WiMAX Day). Samsung Electronics announced today that it will launch the first WiMAX networks for Sprint Nextel in American later this year. This announcement comes one month after Sprint Nextel announced its WiMAX strategy and the initial plan of its network deployment.

“Sprint Nextel is currently planning the network infrastructure for this market, with plans to initially deploy Mobile WiMAX base stations covering Washington DC, Baltimore, and northern Virginia,” said a press release from Samsung.

Apparently testing began in these markets in December 2006. The Samsung announcement states that its network equipment and devices were used to make the first live mobile WiMAX data calls from the market, and testing high-speed data and video streaming.

While the infrastructure of this new network remains to be completed, Samsung noted that the network should begin commercial service at the end of 2007.

The Sprint service is expected to use new WiMAX-enabled devices. According to the announcement “Samsung has committed to delivering six WiMAX-capable devices, including Ultra mobile PCs and personal media players. Samsung also plans to enter the WiMAX chipset business.”