As cellular networks upshift from a roughly 30Mbps average data rate over 4G LTE in many metro areas—and even in smaller towns—to data rates that could be a few times higher as 5G networks starts appearing in earnest, thoughts of using your phone for home broadband instead of a wired connection increase as well, in places where wired speeds are low or expensive.
Carriers have discouraged this in the past, but many now offer plans with significant data allotments for a personal hotspot, like 15GB to 60GB per month. This is particularly the case on business plans, which many people now use at home.
Can you “wire” a personal hotspot into your home network? Yes—but read the carrier’s fine print. We do not encourage you to violate your terms of service. But if it fits within your contract’s parameters, you can use a Mac to pass through mobile broadband effectively.
