Would you like some McWiFi with that?
December 27th, 2009 | by mbhunter |Wireless internet access is becoming the new air conditioning: something to put on your sign to draw in customers.
In a few weeks, McDonald’s will be nixing its $2.95 per 2 hours wi-fi fee for customers, apparently in an effort to take another bite out of Starbucks with its new McCafe offerings.
Yeah, I’d tap into that, especially on a day trip up to the parents. Why not bring the laptop in to check on Facebook or Twitter or pound out a couple of e-mails … all without needing yet another monthly data fee like on an iPhone? Essentially, for free?
In a few years, maybe sooner, I predict free wi-fi will be the new standard at big-chain dining establishments. Enough of the big ones are going the free wi-fi route that others will follow, and eventually enough customers will consider whether there’s free wi-fi when they decide where to eat for lunch. (”Oh, you don’t have free wi-fi? Bummer …”)
Overall, this is a good thing. I love business competition. It’s what happens when people aren’t clamoring for freakin’ bailouts all the time. When businesses compete, we all get lots of goodies. Nom-nom. I mean, McDonald’s doesn’t exactly get marks for good nutrition, but you pretty much know what you’re getting at any given Golden Arches, and if there’s a good chance of having free wi-fi, so much the better.
It will certainly make this site a whole lot more crowded. With all of the Starbucks, and now McDonald’s, that’s like, what, 23 jillion locations? (Why this site doesn’t have a Google Maps mashup yet, I don’t know. There’s a free business website idea for anyone who wants it!)
And, of course, it’s far better than McDialup. (Confession: I did not take that picture. My wife did. But I spotted it!)
One Response to “Would you like some McWiFi with that?”
By LeanLifeCoach on Dec 28, 2009 | Reply
Due to work travel I eat out more than I eat at home. Free WiFi is definitely a draw but I can only eat so many McBurgers. I too hope that free WiFi becomes the norm!
In the meantime, I can pick something up down the street and sit in their parking lot! Also, many of the smaller hotel chains also offer free WiFi.