Yep, and once you are out of range of a broadband data signal, they become useless. That usually only extends few miles past the cities perimeter, depending on the coverage your provider has. Sometimes it can be further, but then you get dinged with roaming fees if it switches to another carriers signal.
I have np idea what you are talking about with this “a few miles out of town” business.
I took my Asus aspire out on the Great Salt Lake desert this am. I was 100 miles from town (SLC) and the netbook performed flawlessly.
If I am around a wireless connection, I go with the hot spots, but switch to broadband if I can not find a wireless hot spot. With an unlimited data plan, if you can hit a cell tower with your cell phone, you have internet access. Look at most coverages, and you will see that the interstates are all covered, and 50 miles either side of them.
I have no idea what you want for performance, but that is plenty of performance for me.
BTW, AT&T and Qwest offer 1,000’s of wireless hot spots free to their customers now. Mostly McDonalds, Starbucks, abd B Dalton Book stores, but across the country.
.....Bob