Something to consider which might be a half-assed work-around might be to review local wi-fi hot spots for open access or paid-access sites (primarily the chain coffee stores), and see if they are a sufficient number of them in  striking distance from you.  Making sure you have the latest ("n") wi-fi adaptors should increase range and sensitivity to the hotspots by a good amount.  Home-based wi-fi can also give you an extended range as well.

  Libraries also tend to have net access in many communities, so finding local libraries and using their resources could be another "filler" option. 

  Verizon has great broadband access, but I've not seen temporary or pay-as-you-go netcards through them yet.