Our phones have become so much more than just communication devices. Consider this - connecting with friends and family on mobile banking and social media, and accessing emails from the Starbucks line, working remotely via Google Drive - it's amazing that any of us have a desktop.
Factor in the compact size and portability of the average smartphone and many of us have found that the Clooney does not have much use for a desktop or laptop.
But can a little magical friend in your pocket still serve - and give you a way to offset the often high cost of a home internet service? Is it practical? (After all, you're already paying for Internet data with your phone plan, so sharing it while you're at home seems like a wise and effective option, right?)
So, can you use your phone data for home internet?
The short answer? Yes. For example, you can use your smartphone to use an Internet connection for your laptop. All you have to do is set your "personal hotspot" on Wi-Fi tethering or any Android or iOS phone.
Great! You must be thinking that the problem is solved. I saved money on my monthly budget.
Not so fast. Before you call to cancel that service, you really want to think long and hard about what you are using the Internet for. According to Lifehacker, there are a few things you should keep in mind before ending the relationship: full stop
Speed
Accessing the Internet via Wi-Fi on your phone will slow down the connection speed rather than powerful signals from the router. Even the cheapest internet level from your provider offers better speed than any other phone.
Huge video viewer? It can be a serious path for you. When you can still use streaming services like Netflix, it takes a long time to download, and it goes for system updates and uploads photos or other big data to the cloud. In short, it is forever.
Are there other ways to lower your bill?
Contact the Senior Technology Editor at Lifehacker and keep your fast Internet, but find other ways to reduce your cellphone bill - or, cut other bills. For example, you can always use Google Voice or Zoom to make and receive calls while you're at home. You can shrink your phone services to minimize data and keep unlimited conversations and texting.
It really only matters what you are willing to do at home and what your needs are. If you scroll through Instagram for your entire train and get to work, you should give up on the above scenario - and you're not ready to take it yet.
Pop Quiz
Is it a good option for you to cancel the Internet at home and use your cellular data?
Using hotspots can turn off your phone's battery. Do you have a new model, a reliable phone?
Sure. I'm prepared
Not sin. My phone is constantly dying on me - getting it when I can buy a new one is on my list!
Do you want to save some money at all costs, and are you ready to make some sacrifices at home?
Yes. I will do anything to reduce my monthly expenses.
No, I didn't change my habits.
Do you mostly do a little shopping online by sending some attachment-less emails?
Yes. I don't really use my internet when I quit my job.
No, I scroll through social apps and stream a lot of videos.
If you answered 1, you might consider cutting a temporary cord at home and using your phone data. If not, consider this a big jump and you can stop it now.
Join our experts on Facebook and Twitter to compare phone and internet plans to make sure you get the right service to meet your needs. Make sure to be plugged into our Resource Center for the latest developments on how to cut or cut a cord.
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