Would You Like Wi-Fi with That? McDonald's to Offer Free Wireless Service
Would You Like Wi-Fi with That? McDonald's to Offer Free Wireless Service
Posted 12/16/2009 at 10:30am
| by Paul Lilly
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Beginning next month, McDonald's will do away with its $2.95 fee that it had been charging its customers for two hours of wireless Internet access, and will add free Wi-Fi to its menu, David Grooms, McDonald's USA Chief Information Officer, said in an interview.
Making the free access possible is AT&T, which has partnered with the fast food chain to offer free wireless through most of its restaurants. Financial details of the deal, however, were not disclosed.
McDonald's decision to make the switch to free Wi-Fi comes as the chain tries to transform itself into a social hangout and not just a greasy burger joint. In addition to its wireless plans, McDonald's will also begin selling frappes and smoothies in most of its stores by mid-2010.
"We're becoming a destination and free Wi-Fi just naturally fits," Grooms added. "This is another long-term investment that we see helps McDonald's stay relevant as a brand in the marketplace."
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MeTo
December 16, 2009 at 12:13pm
You think you had trouble sitting at a table before now it will be imposable to find one. I think this is just another stab a Starbucks.
nekollx
December 16, 2009 at 12:23pm
especially with them adding McChinnos and McOothies.
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lunchbox73
December 16, 2009 at 11:48am
Will it be called Mc-Fi? Why does Mcdonald's want some shmoe sitting in their restaurant for 2 hours after buying a McDouble for .$99 only so they can use their internet? I thought it was good business to turn over tables as soon as possible?
nekollx
December 16, 2009 at 12:01pm
it's called social engineering.
You draw people in with wifi. People who need the net but not mickydies every day. The longer they sit there smelling your food, and the more days they come back...
Then there is rhe guilt factor (for some) who figure "ok ive been her 3 hours i'll just get a small set of fries...to be fair"
Or even a small drink
or salty fries that make you thirsty
or maybe you want a snack after 3 hours.
Suddenly a guy who comes in once a month for a 99c burger is comming in every other day and spending 2.50...
------------------------------
Coming soon to Lulu.com --Tokusatsu Heroes--
Five teenagers, one alien ghost, a robot, and the fate of the world.
TechJunkie
December 16, 2009 at 11:17am
What more could you ever ask for?!?!? Wifi -n- Fries! WhooHoo!!!!
Oh wait....It's on the AT&T network. I mean, my fries just wouldn't bode well with an extremely slow or dropping in and out of connection. My dreams have been shattered once again....bummer.
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