CELL PHONE INTERNET ACCESS

Need advice. Only need internet access for maybe 3 trips a year for 1 week to 2 months. Can't justify or afford air card for $60 a month for 12 months. Sounds like from reading here that I might could use the cell phone tethered to laptop using Broadband Access Connect with Verizon, prorated @ $14 a week. Is that accurate and is that the best option for me? Does Verizon want a 2 yr contract for Broadband Access Connect as well as @ 2 yr contract on the phone service? How does that work if you are adding and deleting the data service. Do you contact them to add or delete the data service or can you do it your self on line?

Does ATT offer similar option?

Thanks