This news report is in error, possibly with the news source.
Acer and other manufacturers are developing access devices which will work on WiMAX networks, such as Sprint’s XOHM.

Their device is not being sold by Sprint, and it will not be tied to any Sprint service plan. The source may be referring to other providers and their service plans.

Sprint XOHM will indeed have subscriptions, versus traditional contracts, based on the customer and not the device. In traditional telecom, each device is a customer.
We will accomodate multiple devices under each customer, in home and away subscription packages, though details have yet to be announced.

Sprint spun off its local telephone division, not its land line business. Sprint continues to be a Tier One Internet and long distance carrier. Our wire line infrastructure continues to serve customer needs and is the foundation for our expanding mobility services.