McDonald's offers wireless high-speed Net access

OAK BROOK, Illinois -- Selected McDonald's restaurants in New York City now offer high-speed wireless for customers who are looking for a place to eat with one hand and access the Internet with the other hand. The pilot program currently includes 10 McDonald's restaurants in Manhattan and is scheduled to expand to several hundred restaurants in three major U.S. markets by year's end.

McDonald's and Intel today launched a joint marketing campaign promoting a new dimension of customer service that delivers high-speed wireless access to coincide with the launch of Intel Centrino mobile technology for notebook PCs that feature built-in wireless capability. The co-marketing agreement between McDonald's and Intel will include advertising, in-store merchandising and a signage program that identifies where Intel-verified wireless Internet zones are located.

"McDonald's is bringing broadband to Broadway," said Mats Lederhausen, president of McDonald's Corporation's Business Development Group. "McDonald's pioneered convenience so it makes perfect sense for us to offer our customers a great way to unwire, unwind, enjoy an Extra Value Meal and catch up on e-mail."

Tests in three markets

McDonald's is scheduled to test high-speed wireless access in hundreds of restaurants in New York City, Chicago and a major market in California by the end of the year.

"McDonald's is known for being at the heart of where people work and live, so offering our customers another value -- Internet access -- is a great example of being the most relevant choice out there," said Lederhausen. "Both McDonald's and Intel understand how important value, speed, convenience and ease of service are for today's time-pressed consumer."

For the next three months, wireless-enabled laptop customers in New York City who purchase an Extra Value Meal at participating McDonald's restaurants will receive an added benefit -- one hour of free high-speed wireless Internet access. Customers also can purchase a single session of up to 60 minutes for $3.00.

McDonald's cites current estimates that indicate the number of wireless consumers is growing rapidly, with more than 78 million "windshield warriors" nationwide today.

"This partnership is all about a new way of connecting with our customers and maximizing the power of our convenient locations," said Lederhausen.

No account necessary

McDonald's is offering an open network for all wireless users, so customers do not have to set up an account.

"Whether you're a road warrior who's starving for a trusted wireless connection or a student seeking a quick and convenient place to download, Intel is working with leading edge companies such as McDonald's to verify wireless compatibility and drive awareness of hotspots and wireless technologies that will change how and where people compute," said Ann Lewnes, Intel vice president, Sales and Marketing Group, and director, Intel Inside Program and Co-Marketing. "Whether at work, in a restaurant, at an airport or hotel, Centrino mobile technology delivers the freedom and flexibility of being unwired."

Intel's Wireless Verification Program includes engineering and testing of the Intel Centrino mobile technology with network architecture that supports various wireless access points, software combinations, hotspot locations, and wireless service providers to ensure they are all compatible, further enhancing the consumer's wireless experience.

In addition to McDonald's customers, this wireless service is also accessible to McDonald's employees. "This technology enables us to share information immediately with hundreds of mobile employees who are dedicated to serving our customers and our restaurants," said David Weick, chief information officer for McDonald's.