On a recent visit to McDonald's, I noticed a WiFi sign. Clearly a tactic to bring in the workaholic, who wants to work right through their lunch break, I decided to test this WiFi to see if it really worked.
The signs on the outside of McDonald's all over Las Vegas, claim to be WiFi spots. With integrated play places, I immediately thought of killing two birds with one stone. I could take the kids to play for a while and get some work done in the process. The plan seemed like a win win situation. So off to McDonald's I traveled with laptop in hand. I was not happy with the outcome of my visit.
The first thing you notice about the WiFi offered by McDonald's is that it is not FREE. That is right. You actually have to pay to use their WiFi spot. The cost is $2.95 per two hour session. While this is not a huge amount of money, over a weeks time, the total cost would add up to more than $15.00 with tax. That is a pretty expensive hobby, when most of us have Internet access at home.
The second difficulty I encountered with the McDonald's WiFi was the fact that it was an unsecured system. They want you to pay for the service with a credit card, but do not offer a secure network from which to do so. Things were not getting any better as I went along.
Once connected to the WiFi system, I tried to download a small file. I was astounded at the slow bit rate. The WiFi Internet service at McDonald's will enable you to search the Internet just fine, but if you want to download a file, watch a video or listen to a song, you will only end up with slow progress and broken videos and songs.
The McDonald's WiFi system was advertised to read it was a free service. As if to say, "Come on in and use our WiFi while you eat!". Instead, I found a slow wireless Internet connection that was not only unsecured but pay based as well. If you really want to multi-task your day, try looking for a business that offers free Wi Fi connectivity, not one for pay that is not worth the money. Shame on McDonald's, I expected better customer service!
The signs on the outside of McDonald's all over Las Vegas, claim to be WiFi spots. With integrated play places, I immediately thought of killing two birds with one stone. I could take the kids to play for a while and get some work done in the process. The plan seemed like a win win situation. So off to McDonald's I traveled with laptop in hand. I was not happy with the outcome of my visit.
The first thing you notice about the WiFi offered by McDonald's is that it is not FREE. That is right. You actually have to pay to use their WiFi spot. The cost is $2.95 per two hour session. While this is not a huge amount of money, over a weeks time, the total cost would add up to more than $15.00 with tax. That is a pretty expensive hobby, when most of us have Internet access at home.
The second difficulty I encountered with the McDonald's WiFi was the fact that it was an unsecured system. They want you to pay for the service with a credit card, but do not offer a secure network from which to do so. Things were not getting any better as I went along.
Once connected to the WiFi system, I tried to download a small file. I was astounded at the slow bit rate. The WiFi Internet service at McDonald's will enable you to search the Internet just fine, but if you want to download a file, watch a video or listen to a song, you will only end up with slow progress and broken videos and songs.
The McDonald's WiFi system was advertised to read it was a free service. As if to say, "Come on in and use our WiFi while you eat!". Instead, I found a slow wireless Internet connection that was not only unsecured but pay based as well. If you really want to multi-task your day, try looking for a business that offers free Wi Fi connectivity, not one for pay that is not worth the money. Shame on McDonald's, I expected better customer service!
- You have to pay for the available Wi Fi.
- Credit card information is sent over their unsecured network.
Comments
Cookie Monster
(Guest)
(Guest)
04/10/2009
You'r missing the point; i was misled also into thinking that they have free wifi, i dont see why not when places like whataburger and DQ has free high speed wifi.
Richard
(Guest)
(Guest)
12/09/2008
I am traveling to Florida by car and want to be able to acess the internet. This article answers all my question about McDonald's Wifi. Thanks
Striker
(Guest)
(Guest)
11/04/2008
What about like myself just this morning, there with my wife grabbing a quick bite to eat before work and a co-worker calls and tells me that their account is locked out, so I go out grab my laptop and attempt to remote in to find to my suprise that I have to pay for it. Sorry some of us go there without our kids and may need quick access.
Generalize and criticize much?
Dotchi Latham
(Guest)
(Guest)
05/12/2008
Thanks for the warning! Not that I like McD's all that much, but I know I won't be using it for the wifi now either.
Everything we needed to know about McD's wi-fi and didn't even know to ask! Thanks!
Very interesting article. I happened to notice a sign too the last time I was at a McDonalds and I was curious.
Besides the false advertising, McDonalds, at least, should be a place where parents focus on their children, no work or surfing the net. How sad if they get it all straightened out.
Excellent article.
Excellent reporting
Thanks for the warning! Great job, Summer.
Comments 1 - 10 (of 11)
Next >>
|
|