McDonald's is launching high-speed wireless Internet access for customers in an anticipated 100 restaurants throughout the Chicagoland and Milwaukee areas, with more than 60 of those restaurants offering wireless services immediately. Currently, there are 12 Chicago locations: 5614 N. Clark St.,3615 W. Irving Park Rd., 2707 N. Milwaukee Ave.,4038 W. Belmont Ave., 5133 W. North Ave.,845 N. Michigan Ave.,230 S. State St.,555 W. Madison St.,3154 W. Foster Ave.,201 N. Clark St.,1831 W. Devon Ave.,and 233 N. Michigan Ave. Additional locations will be completed by the end of September.
McDonald's is offering customers high-speed wireless access in three major markets—Chicago, New York and the San Francisco Bay area. In Chicago, McDonald's is working with Toshiba's Computer Systems Group and Intel Corporation to provide the service.
Besides the 12 restaurants within the city, the local pilot program includes 44 locations in the Chicago suburbs, plus five Milwaukee area locations.
"This is a high-tech blend of innovation and convenience that will tell our customers McDonald's is going to be a part of their world," said Phil Gray, McDonald's central division vice president. "We are literally connecting to the relevancy and immediacy of today's busy American way of life."
Toshiba's SurfHere high-speed wireless Internet access service is the key piece of the Chicago area McDonald's wireless program. The SurfHere by Toshiba service allows those with notebook computers and other wireless-enabled devices to connect to the Internet without cables or wires at participating McDonald's. With this wireless technology, business professionals, road warriors, students, tourists, and busy parents can stay in contact and handle business and other communication needs during breakfast or lunch, or throughout the day.
"As the nation continues to go mobile, public demand for wireless access points is experiencing phenomenal growth," said John Marston, director of business development, Toshiba CSG. "We are extremely excited with this opportunity...now benefiting McDonald's customers who find it necessary to stay connected and productive while out of their home or office."
Through Sept. 28, customers are offered free one-hour access with the purchase of an extra value meal or a premium salad. Prize giveaways such as Toshiba notebook computers and Pocket PCs will also be part of an on-line promotion. Prices throughout Chicago and Milwaukee for the wireless services are $4.95 for a one-hour connection and $7.95 for up to 24 hours. At McDonald's, 7- and 30-day connection plans are also available. |
