We have been using Verizon's MIFI card for almost 2 years, and seldom find an area where it doesn't connect. It is a 3G (3rd Generation) unit. 4G (4th Generation) is supposed to be finally going online in major metro areas, and while that may be true. as slow as 4G is coming (since 2007) you'd have plenty of of time to practice with your 3G unit. Also we've been in campgrounds where so many users were on the wifi system that it was nearly impossible to get online - in these situations the MIFI card came in real handy.

Jon,
Here's the difference between 3G/4G - 3G provides 14 megabits per second (Mbit/s) download and 5.8 Mbit/s upload. This is compared to the projected minimum 100 Mbit/s transfer speed of 4G. Now that's not even close to what your home DSL, cable or T1 connection can provide, but if the phone or cable goes out, you can still surf the web with one of these.