Sprint's new Tri-Network Hotspot capable of data three-way

4G LTE, WiMax, and 3G in one? Sprint's Tri-Network Hotspot may not look sexy, but it's got some smooth moves.

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).

Expertise Content strategy, team leadership, audience engagement, iPhone, Samsung, Android, iOS, tips and FAQs.

See full bio

Jessica Dolcourt

Jan. 10, 2012 2:10 p.m. PT

LAS VEGAS--Its anvil shape may not inspire you to slip it in your pocket, but Sprint's Tri-Network Hotspot, made by Sierra Wireless, gets more than a few things right.

First and most importantly, the device can switch not just among 4G and 3G network sources, but also between LTE and WiMax. That will theoretically increase your chances of getting 4G speeds when you travel, though the hot spot will also fall back on 3G (EV-DO) when 4G is scarce.

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

+1 More

See all photos

Second, that height isn't just for show. It conceals a 3,600mAh battery, which is good news for road warriors who rely on hot spots for frequent or long-term use. It sounds like just the thing I needed, in fact, for some of this CES blogging. Because of its heft, it is definitely a worker bee's tool.

Unfortunately, LTE wasn't flipped on at CES, so we'll need to test hot-spot speeds and stamina in the wild.

The Tri-Network Hotspot will support up to eight devices, and it has 32GB in storage space. Pricing and availability are still up in the air for this and Sprint's other two devices, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and the LG Viper.