WRIGLEYVILLE — AT&T users may be seeing speedier cell service during Chicago Cubs games.
The network announced Monday that they have added nine new 4G LTE mobile Internet sites in Lakeview in preparation for this year's Cubs season. The sites, which have been placed on existing structures and can be as small as a laptop, have been scattered from West Melrose Street up to West Sheridan Road and from North Halsted Street to North Lakewood Avenue, said AT&T spokeswoman Erin McGrath.
The idea is that people at bars, restaurants and at the park during games will be able to access the Internet at a faster speed. When a lot of people are trying to use service at once, cell sites can become overloaded and slow down. More sites means more support and speedier service, McGrath said.
"In the summer, you have so many people in town," she said. "Even if you live in the area, you may have slower speeds on your cell phones because so many people are trying to use it."
The wireless company has been expanding 4G LTE coverage throughout the country and started in Chicago in 2011. McGrath could not say how many 4G LTE sites existed before Monday's launch of new sites.
The Cubs' home opener is Monday, April 8, against the Milwaukee Brewers.
