We've got one as an emergency office backup after Katrina and also for light use while on the road.

Haven't bought the special hub yet but probably should.

At one time, some or all of the cell companies had deals where you could try their service for 30 days to see how it worked. I haven't changed contracts on anything in about two years so don't know if that sort of thing is still offered. But if you could find that kind of plan with a carrier in your area, it might be worth trying. At least you could cancel the account.

There also is a new type of service on the horizon. Don't remember its name, but it uses some different frequencies and allegedly will extend the reach of this kind of service. So, what you get today may be replaced by something else two or three years down the road. But that's okay because it probably will be better and faster.

We have AT&T's service (formerly Cingular). Speed varies quite a bit from location to location. We're on the outskirts of Jackson, Miss., but have found faster rates in some rural areas.

May the force be with you.