If you are on gsm network but with cdma device (for example 9930 with tmobile) are you able to use hotspot? How about tethering?
In my experience I tried the tour 9630 (both sprint and verizon model) when I was with tmobile. Data on the phone worked fine (internet, email, etc) but I could not get the phone to tether with desktop manager).
On my current network the 9930 will get full 3g functionality with gsm. I am tempeted to buy a 9930 as a backup to my 9900.
If the WiFi hotspot works like on Android, you will be able to use it anywhere, despite the network. It seems to work as a pass through, unlike tethering.
