On my most recent trip across the country my internet connection was
via my cell phone.

I use T-Mobile (GSM), not the greatest coverage, but one of the
cheapest unlimited internet plans. My phone (Sony Ericcson Z600) has
bluetooth. I use a Mac. My Mac laptop has bluetooh. So I connect to the
phone wirelessly, and then to the internet wirelessly. Very geeky. I
even have a battery powered bluetooth printer which I brought along on
my last trip.

Now to the Vanagon content. So, on my last trip I was in Darby Montana
(south western Montana). Technically outside of cell phone coverage, I
was able to get a weak signal. I suppose I was on the fringe area of
Missoula (some 60+ miles to the north). Regardless, I had to orient the
phone just so....

So there I'm in my camper, generator running (recharging batteries)
wirelessly hooked up to the internet to read the 500+ pieces of email
this list had generated in my brief time away from the internet. It
took a while, but it all worked and I caught up with all my email.

Yes, it was slow (but then again I was on the fringe reception area).
I'll be doing it again (driving across country) next week.