In the 7-10 days after Hurricane Sandy hit our area (Northeast PA), we were entirely without electricity and cable service. As a web developer, this would have assumedly resulted in a general lack of productivity. Luckily, we had just switched from AT&T to Verizon a few months prior, so tethering is included with our data plan. And, just last summer, we had our generator hard-wired into the house. So, unlike most of my clients and colleagues who were waiting for services to be restored, I was able to keep plugging away. I certainly wouldn't want to work off of my cell phone's data plan on a regular basis, but in a pinch, it works great. Now, if only Verizon would let me talk on the phone and tether at the same time (cough cough)...