Sierra Wireless 4G LTE Tri-Fi Hotspot is First to Support 4G LTE, 4G WiMAX and 3G, Sprint Exclusive

Wireless provider Sprint and Sierra Wireless, a wireless communications equipment designer and manufacturer, announced Wednesday that on May 18 they will release the first device to combine 4G connections over LTE and WiMAX networks.

The device, called Sierra Wireless 4G LTE Tri-Fi Hotspot, is a Sprint network exclusive which promises to provide the best combination of speed and coverage to Sprint customers, while allowing individuals and small businesses to easily share high-speed connections.

The Sierra Wireless Tri-Fi Hotspot will cost $99.99 excluding taxes after a $50 mail-in rebate with a two-year service agreement. Customers who purchase the device outright can sign up for 3G/4G plans at select Sprint retail stores, at Sprint’s Website or by calling the Sprint business sales line.

Data plans for the device start at $34.99 for 3GB of combined 3G/4G data. A 6GB plan is also available for $49.99 while the top plan allows for 12GB of data for $79.99. Both the 6GB and 12GB plans offer 20 percent more data for the same price as competing AT&T and Verizon plans.

The Sierra Wireless 4G LTE Tri-Fi Hotspot allows users to extend their Sprint data connection to any WiFi-enabled device – laptops, cameras, music players and portable game consoles – and can support up to eight devices simultaneously.

The device also features a microSD slot which allows connected devices to share files via network storage, while also having it function as a digital media server. IT also features a 3600 mAh battery which provides up to eight hours of continuous use or up to eight weeks in standby.

"Sprint and Sierra Wireless are once again giving customers the flexibility to enjoy 4G performance in any Sprint 4G WiMAX market along with our upcoming 4G LTE markets or Sprint's reliable 3G network when outside a 4G area,” said David Owens, VP for Product Development at Sprint. “Sierra Wireless Tri-Fi Hotspot combines simplicity with compact portability and security to make it ideal for both personal and business use in a variety of situations."

Sierra Wireless recently announced it will participate in the Jeffries Global Technology, Internet, Media and Telecom Conference 2012 in New York City.

Sprint recently announced Sprint Device Management, a multi-carrier, multi-platform wireless device management solution.