Do you need a data plan to be a wifi hotspot?

[cannon11]

I know if you root your phone you have the ability to be a wifi hotspot/tether. My question is, do you need to have a data plan in order for this to work? My guess would be yes, But I would just like to confirm this.
thanks

 

[divinebovine]

The data needs to come from somewhere. Your phone can't provide internet that it doesn't have.

AFAIK most plans do not allow you to use wifi tethering even if you have unlimited data. That's just something to consider when deciding to do it or how much to do it.

 

[biker57]

You won't necessarily have to have a data plan, but it will be similar to running data thru your phone when using the internet and the possible charges you incur for that.