[tmzt]

They are not exactly unconnected. Unrestricted root access would let you set up your own iptables rules and direct packets to the cellular network. This is how tethering worked on rooted phones before the carriers offered it as a service.

Now you are correct, and carriers responded to those demands from users for mobile networking with (usually metered or priced as an addon) "mobile hotspot" applications.

Contrary to your earlier claims, the advanced Android and iPhone user communities are not insignificant and may have played a part in getting demands like these met.

Places like androidpolice, and sites like engadget, lifehacks, gizmodo and others cater to this market, and drive popular knowledge of root modifications and jail breaking. Previous incarnations of Cyanogenmod boasted large numbers of downloads in the 100s of thousands if not millions.