McDonald’s to Offer Free Wi-Fi at 11,000 Locations

Leading the Way In WiFi Services

According Wi-Fi Networking News, beginning in mid-January 2010, McDonald’s will offer customers free Wi-Fi service. McDonald’s currently charges $2.95 for two hours of Wi-Fi. The free coverage will be available in McDonald’s at 11,000 locations in the United States, as well as those in Canada that currently offer Wi-Fi service. The network is operated by AT&T, originally contracted by Wayport which was acquired by the phone giant last year. Most AT&T subscribers get free access at McDonald’s, Starbucks, and a few thousand other locations.

Wi-Fi news reporter Glenn Fleishman points out that Starbucks offers two hours daily of no-cost service as a reward to regular customers but the reward program changes later this month to require several purchases before then getting the free Wi-Fi deal.

While McDonald’s offer of free Wi-Fi is clearly a marketing ploy to increase customer traffic, their move may force other restaurants to follow suit, and consumers will reap the benefits. With their inexpensive gourmet coffee selections, and some discounted fast food coupons,  now there’s three reasons to head to McD’s.