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McDonalds to go Wireless?

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the would-you-like-802.11g-with-that? dept.

crayongod writes "The AP, by way of AOL *yipe*, is reporting a pilot program by McDonalds to provide inhouse WiFi with the purchase of a combo meal. This sure will make roadtrips a lot easier." An hour of access per combo meal. Additional hours can be purchased for $3... or another zillion calorie combo meal. Mmmm. Healthy.

3 of 385 comments (clear)

  1. Wireless @ McDonalds by Silwenae · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I think a wireless experience at a McDonalds is very different from a Starbucks or a Borders. At McDonalds, my goal is to eat and get out, where at a Starbucks or Borders they encourage you to stay and socialize much more than McD's does.

    I can see where it would be nice to have WiFi for your PDA to check email, but lugging my notebook in and getting my greasy fingers from my french fries on my laptop keyboard doesn't seem right.

    I understand McDonald's business is hurting, but getting the tech crowd in isn't going to solve their revenue shortfalls.

  2. Finally, something for adults! by CTD · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I've got kids.

    It sometimes snows in Chicago, or gets darn cold. Especially in the winter.

    At which point I am quite happy that there is a McDonalds down the street with a playland. I can take the kids there and cut them loose for an hour or so to burn off their energy. It's a great thing.

    McD has been very family orientated for quite some time now, giving us a place to let our brats romp about, while we eat a McCoronary and pass the time. Having the ability to hook up to the net while my kids are going down the static electricity slide is a great thing. I'll be able to do something that entertains me, if I can ignore the screaming of the kids.

    --
    Grimwell - old, cranky, mean, obsessive
  3. What billing mechanism? by stroudie · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I just wonder what the billing mechanism will be for this service.

    The article seems to suggest that the billing will be done on a per-burger basis i.e. you buy your burger, you get a little card with a pin# on it, and you then connect to the LAN.

    This seems to suggest an anonymous means of surfing (all for the cost of a burger) - an approach that would land McD's in difficulties within hours of launching the service.

    The other approach is a 'customer-registration' service, and I for one am not sure I need McD's to know where I (burger-swilling-geek that I am) live.