Cellular Performance Tested at Cubs Playoff Game

CHICAGO, Ill. — As the Chicago Cubs approached the Wild Card playoffs, one tech journalist took to the streets to test mobile network performance in the stadium’s vicinity. This investigation occurred during the Cubs’ game against the San Diego Padres on October 12, 2025. .

The journalist, equipped with three Google Pixel 10 Pro phones, aimed to assess speeds of the top three carriers: T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. Previous experiences at crowded events led to concerns about connectivity as he witnessed thousands of fans gathering at Wrigley Field.

Beginning before the game, he conducted his initial tests 2.3 miles away. During the early innings, troubles began as T-Mobile struggled to provide reliable service, even producing zero upload speeds at times.

However, surprising results emerged as the journalist reported top download speeds from Verizon at 2,666 Mbps during tests conducted away from the ballpark. AT&T followed closely behind with speeds that reached 1,299 Mbps, while T-Mobile’s performance fluctuated between higher numbers away from the stadium to significantly lower ones within the crowd.

By the time he reached the front gate of Wrigley Field, T-Mobile fell behind with download speeds of just 6.91 Mbps, while Verizon and AT&T topped the charts. Over the course of several tests, including file downloads, discrepancies in network performance became evident.

“There were times when T-Mobile refused to cooperate,” the journalist noted in his report, referring to the significant drops in connectivity amid the crowd. He further emphasized challenges that crowds pose to mobile networks, echoing sentiments of frustration among fans trying to share experiences on social media.

In concluding his investigation, the journalist noted that while network congestion plays a crucial role in performance, individual circumstances may vary across different events. The analysis reflects ongoing challenges in mobile connectivity as 5G technologies develop.

The Cubs’ playoff run continues, with fans hoping that the team’s success will parallel improvements in the networks they rely upon during games.