McDonald's and Intel Debut High-Speed Wireless Access in Manhattan Restaurants

OAK BROOK, Ill. and SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Selected McDonald's restaurants in New York City now offer high-speed wireless access for time-starved customers who are looking for a place to eat, rest and log on to their laptop computers.

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 Corporation and Intel Corporation on Tuesday launched a joint marketing campaign promoting this new dimension of customer service that delivers high-speed wireless access. The co-marketing agreement 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 email."

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.

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

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
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