In the past couple of years I wrote a number of posts on how wireless Internet access for example via a 3G USB dongle will for some people be a good replacement for the DSL line at home (see here and here). During my recent stay in Italy I also found evidence of this there.
Two of my friends have each decided that a DSL line at home is too expensive and have given it up in favor of a 3G USB stick in one case and tethering the phone in the other case. As they are not heavy users, the amount of data included in their monthly option is more than enough for their use both at home and while underway. For heavy users and multi-member families with several devices at home that's not an option but for singles and single Internet connected device households its an interesting option to save money.