3G device as _primary_ residential Internet connection? [telecom]

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Below is a post I put onto ba.internet and then realized I wished I had cross-posted on this group also, along with the first reply on that group. I hope it's OK to do a "delayed cross-posting" here also:

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Are there any significant number of areas or communities (esp. in the
> U.S.) where cellphones or other forms of 3G devices talking to community
> cellphone towers are used as the _primary_ Internet connection link for
> residences, rather than DSL, cable systems, or dish systems?
>
> If so, is this commonly done by just going through a cellphone in the
> residence, or are there modem/router units that can be installed as
> fixed units for this purpose in residences?
>
> [I appreciate that these may be painfully naive questions; my experience
> is entirely with DSL and Comcast residential connectivity, and in fact
> I've never owned or used a 3G cellphone; all my mobile connectivity is
> strictly laptop to WiFi hotspots.  Pointers to educational links will be
> much appreciated.]]

and SVU replied:

Yes. There are places where people who can't get DSL or Cable, and don't like the limitations of satellite internet use cellular modems. I have as my primary ISP a permanent connection to Sprint's network with a USB type modem and a wireless router the size of a pack of cigarettes.

Modems come in PC Card and USB thumb style form factors. They are meant for notebook computer use mostly, but there are a number of 3G routers that support them.

Reprinted with Mr. Houser's permission.

Bill Horne Moderator