It's not likely this. Microwave transport is fast. The real difference in rural sites is a combination of spectrum (ie. 5mz of 850) vs 20mhz of 1700/2100. 850

It's not likely this. Microwave transport is fast. The real difference in rural sites is a combination of spectrum (ie. 5mz of 850) vs 20mhz of 1700/2100. 850 has better propagation, hence its usage in rural. The other factor is antenna patterns and site sectors. Many rural sites have an omni antenna, and with no tilt. In cities you may see 6+ sectors on a site with 12 degree tilts. So your site has more bandwidth(20+ mhz), and way more capacity. Long story short.. They give you less of the interwebs in rural because it's cheaper