In early 2010, Sprint Nextel Corp. expects to launch a new smartphone that works over high-speed wireless WiMax, CDMA cellular and possibly Wi-Fi.

The actual form factor is "still being finalized," said Scott Lane, director of marketing and sales for Sprint's 4G unit, in an interview.

Lane called the coming device a "trimode handset," meaning it would function in three wireless modes. Including WiMax and CDMA, the third mode will most likely be Wi-Fi, although that piece has not been confirmed. "It will more than likely have Wi-Fi.....


The recession has not caused a slowdown in WiMax-related sales, Lane said.

Analyst Jack Gold, of J.Gold Associates, said a WiMax-capable handset has been discussed by many companies, but Sprint could be the first to market. It would probably be manufactured for Sprint by Samsung or Motorola Inc., and would be based on previous Sprint phones. Either company develop an Android product, he said.

"I'm surprised a WiMax phone wasn't announced sooner," Gold said. "WiMax is Sprint's 4G future, and they have to have something to show using it."