Thanks for giving me the terms I need when I go asking! But it can’t be reliant on any one person’s cell service. It has to be connected to the house because we can’t be sure who will be using the house.
Well then, it sounds like the traditional choices of a) satellite, b) Cable, and c) ADSL over telephone.
The real problem will be whether or not you can turn it on and off at will. If it has to be available year round, or if the companies you deal with require either year-long contracts (some cell companies) or have turn-on/turn-off fees (like Comcast Cable), that will figure into your cost calculation.
Not a problem. Most cell providers offer data only plans with their proprietary hot spots. You would just set up a new account for the house.
I'm on such a connection now with AT&T. I bought the hot spot (Unite) from them and pay $50/mo for up to 5 GB data, which is more than enough for normal surfing but not for streaming lots of video. They have cheaper plans as well.