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Sprint's Tri-Fi Hotspot will do LTE, WiMax, 3G on May 18

We got our first look at this three-way network hot spot at CES, but now Sprint's ready to launch.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
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Sprint's Tri-Fi hotspot
Sprint

NEW ORLEANS--Sprint has gone to great length to explain to its investors and the press how it's consolidating its various network technologies into one. Its latest 4G hot spot is a perfect example of the concept in practice.

The 4G LTE Tri-Fi Hotspot, made by Sierra Wireless, will support three of Sprint's data networks: 4G LTE, 4G WiMax, and 3G.

Sprint's latest hot spot toggles LTE, WiMax (photos)

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I got my first glimpse of the Tri-Fi Hotspot a few months back at CES, and despite all the jokes I cracked about a data three-way, it isn't a very sexy device if you're not looking head-on.

In fact, it looks like an anvil from the side. However, as with previous versions of Sierra's hot spots for Sprint, there's a microSD slot that enables file sharing, and its use as a digital media server. It also has a 3600mAh battery.

Tri-Network Hotspot
It doesn't look like much, but this baby's got smooth moves. Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

The hot spot will cost $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and with a two-year service agreement. Monthly data plans start at $34.99 for 3GB, and ratchet up to $49.99 for 6GB, and $79.99 for 12GB.

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