This may not be necessary as an iPad may already fulfill the need but can an iPad be used as a wireless hotspot for another computer?

The 4G models of the third generation iPad support Personal Hotspot, so a cellular data connection can be shared with other devices.

But, as with the Personal Hotspot feature on iPhone, it also requires your mobile network to allow this use.

See http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3574 for more information.