McDonalds Offers Free Wi-Fi: You Want Fries With That?

By Geoff Duncan January 15, 2010

McDonalds Wi-Fi — Image used with permission by copyright holder

McDonalds fast food joints are one of WayPort‘s biggest retail partners, and the company used to charge $2.95 for two hours’ worth of Wi-Fi access—except for AT&T customers, many of whom can tap into WayPort Wi-Fi as a fringe benefit of their service. Now, however, McDonalds is throwing open the doors, announcing that it will no longer be charging for Wi-Fi access at some 11,000 retail locations beginning today. Folks wondering where their children are after school should look amongst the gaggle of kids huddled over their phones, portable gaming devices, and iPod touches in the corner booth.

Although charging for two hours of free Wi-Fi wasn’t all that popular amongst business users and travelers—very few of whom plan to spend two hours in a McDonalds restaurant—a free Wi-Fi offering will no doubt appeal to folks looking for a quick meal and a way to check up on news, email, and social networking sites via a netbook, Wi-Fi capable smartphone, or other device. And, of course, free Wi-Fi might make McDonalds even more of a magnet for children and teens looking to tap into the Internet with their friends…and without supervision from parental units.

The move also punctuates the growing perception that free Wi-Fi is becoming an expected utility of businesses, not unlike water fountains, bathrooms, and electricity. Free Wi-Fi is already common in airports and many restaurants…although massive chain outfit Starbucks has recently revamped its customer rewards program to make access to its Wi-Fi hotspots more complicated and difficult.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Computing

How to extend your Wi-Fi range with another router

how to optimize wifi network for work from home wrt1900acs router position location direction improve signal

Wi-Fi makes it easy to connect your laptop, smartphone, gaming console, and more to the internet without the need for pesky cables. However, folks with large homes that span multiple floors have probably run into reception issues in rooms far away from the router. Wi-Fi routers work best across short distances – meaning far-flung rooms or outdoor locations might not be able to properly connect to the internet.

Thankfully, you can use a second Wi-Fi router to boost your signal throughout your property and eliminate dead zones. Here's a look at how to extend your Wi-Fi range with another router and the DD-WRT router firmware.

Computing

How to get Wi-Fi access anywhere at any time

The Netgear Nighthawk AXE11000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router on a table.

If you can't get Wi-Fi access at home, you're probably wondering what your options are or even if you have any options. You do! Your options for Wi-Fi access will vary depending on your own personal situation, but our guide below will show you what kinds of Wi-Fi access is available to you, should you find yourself without Wi-Fi at home.
Let's take a look at some free and paid ways to get Wi-Fi access.

If driving/commuting is an option

Computing

These are the best Wi-Fi routers for 2023

Netgear's Nighthawk RAXE500 tri-band router.

If you are looking to improve your wireless network speeds, then you should probably think about upgrading your router, especially if you indulge in streaming high-definition videos or online gaming. Going for a new router model can also help enhance the extent of wireless coverage, thus allowing seamless usage throughout your home or office space. Among the options available, we particularly recommend Netgear's Nighthawk RAXE300, which impressively combines a plethora of features.

In addition to our top pick, we've reviewed and compared some of the latest router models to curate a selection of the finest Wi-Fi routers currently on the market. Have a look at our recommendations below to gain insights into which device aligns best with your requirements. Whether you're seeking a Wi-Fi 6 router, a budget-conscious alternative, or the ultimate choice for gaming, we have your preferences covered.