I've been hunting for a plan with lots of tethering data in this sub, and everyone says it doesn't exist, but with Google Fi (I have no relation with them and I don't even use them (yet)) with the $65 a month plan there's unlimited tethering.

And as far as I can tell they're on T-Mobile's highest speed tier.

Is there something wrong with them or a reason that makes people not recommend them?

Is anyone here using Fi as their home Internet connection either with the phone's wifi hotspot or with a data-only SIM? How's it working out? How are streaming services working on your Roku or Smart TV? Gaming?

EDIT: I'm mostly asking because I intend on doing this for my mother in law. She has been testing out the solution on my data only sim, averaging around 10gb per month. She just does basic browsing and email and sometimes streaming audio. No Roku, etc. Soon she will have her own data only sim on her own unlimited Fi account.

I noticed that on my Google account that's not connected to Fi I get the option of 5GB tethering on the Unlimited Essentials plan. This option doesn't appear on my other Google account that I currently use with Fi. Is the 5GB hotspot tethering on unlimited essentials only available for new customers?

EDIT: For those of you who were asking. Here's what I'm seeing on the two accounts.

https://imgur.com/a/Nm2qWZA

The orange one has the Fi account while the purple is not linked with Fi. I was just wondering if there was an official answer about whether hotspot tethering will be included in Unlimited Essentials going forwards

EDIT (10/14/25): I am now on unlimited essentials plan and it does have 5GB of hotspot tethering.

I'm trying to figure out if my Google Fi phone plan needs to include the "hotspot" feature in order to tether or share data to my Chromebook via USB? Seems like using a hotspot is separate because I can connect my USB right now and share data without the hotspot being active.

I'm asking because I'm looking at a group plan on Google Fi but for some reason the hotspot feature is not included in these plans. Now I'm wondering if I'll still be able to connect my phone to my device, select usb tethering on phone, & be good to go... if I need data on my Chromebook. Thanks.

I was contemplating about leaving Fi (for cheaper alternatives) but recent Fi plans overhaul convinced me to stay.

Sure, you can get a visible for $5-10 cheaper but with Essentials you get a free smartwatch line, ability to upgrade immediately to higher tier if going overseas, deep phone discounts (can downgrade immediately to lower tier after 120 days), sim/esim data only.

I see it says unlimited but anyone has any one really been throttled or has extensive use? I'm leaving T-mobile.