A few items of note:
1. I am the fourth person (loser?

) contributing to this thread on Friday night.
2. The answer to your question would seem to be related to the other great mystery: If my room costs twice as much, why do I get popped a buck for making a local call, when they're free at the cheaper hotel?
3. Yes, mobile wireless seems to be the answer to both dilemmas. I use a Verizon PC5220, and am thrilled that they are currently in the process of rolling out BROADBAND internet access on their "cellular" network after successful tests in San Diego and Washington DC markets.