Internet Access @ McDonalds bought to you by SBC

SBC, McDonald's Hook Up on Wi-Fi

SBC Communications is serving up Wi-Fi service at McDonald's announcing an agreement with wireless-broadband technology provider Wayport that will let the carrier's customers connect on local area networks at some 6,000 McDonald's restaurants within the coming year.
The partnership significantly expands SBC's FreedomLink Wi-Fi network and represents a springboard to sell other services, company spokesperson Michael Coe told NewsFactor. FreedomLink customers will have unlimited access to Wayport's hot spots at McDonald's sites, for US$19.95 per month.


Operator Pushes WLANs

SBC Internet Services companies also will provide high-speed business DSL Internet access to Wayport for backhaul transport at McDonald's Wi-Fi restaurants in the 13-state SBC territory.
Noting the ubiquitous presence of McDonald's in the operator's territory, Coe said offering access to the Wi-Fi system will help push sales of the FreedomLink service. SBC in March inked a deal to provide Wi-Fi access at some 900 UPS stores nationwide, with plans to add thousands more in Mail Boxes Etc. outlets.

Keeping Customers Happy

"Wi-Fi represents another revenue stream, and adds value as a customer retention and acquisition tool," said Coe. The next step for SBC, he said, is to bundle Wi-Fi with DSL broadband service in a package at rates competitive with those offered via cable modem. SBC currently boasts 4 million SBC DSL customers.
The operator plans to offer some 20,000 hot spots to FreedomLink customers by the end of 2006 and currently sells home Wi-Fi gear. FreedomLink service also is offered at airports, hotels, convention centers, restaurants and SBC Park, home of the San Francisco Giants baseball team.
In April, McDonald's and Wayport said they are eyeing Wi-Fi access at 13,000 golden arches in the U.S. among 30,000 McDonald's sites worldwide. Wayport also will link the technology to a cashless debit- and credit-card payment system.

Written by: Jay Wrolstad, wireless.newsfactor.com