Free Wireless

[Tractorat]

I just heard on the news that McDonald's will be making internet access free at 11,000 of their 14,000 US locations. That will make road trips a lot easier for those of us that really need to get on the internet, even when we are on vacation

 

[Jim W]

Why??? I do not eat nor have I been to a McDonald's in a long time. I have not been to one since my kids were out of Jr high back in the 80's. I do not know of many RV friendly Mcdonald's. Can you see a thirty foot or forty foot 5er being pulled thru a McDonald's.

 

[Tractorat]

Well, whatever floats your boat. BTW, I havent EATEN at Mcdonalds for years and years either. But, I do drink their coffee.



I see RV's parked in the larger McDonalds parking lots all of the time. Or, at least parked near by. It's just a resource that can be found just about anywhere. And, if you need to get on the internet when you are on the road, its fairly easy to find.



But, if you dont want to eat there, don't. I don't, the food will kill you. But, the coffee beats starbucks any day of the week.



TRat

 

[Matt400]

I just heard on the news that McDonald's will be making internet access free at 11,000 of their 14,000 US locations. That will make road trips a lot easier for those of us that really need to get on the internet, even when we are on vacation

Good to know, I leave my PC at home but am sure someday it will come with me and those spots of access would come in handy.

Starbucks is good for this too but they don't have a BIG MAC!

 

[Newt]

If you want free WiFi, most motels have unlocked routers.

Newt

 

[WilsonF]

It seems as though every time I stop at MickyDs there is a school bus full of kids ahead of me. If they have room for a school bus they have room for an RV.

Floyd

 

[BrianJ]

I do not know of many RV friendly Mcdonald's. Can you see a thirty foot or forty foot 5er being pulled thru a McDonald's.

Anywhere along the highway I would have a harder time finding one where you could NOT fit a large 5er or RV. Most of them have plenty of room for truckers and RV's near highway routes. Inner city may be a different situation, but how often do you want to commute from home/work to McD's for lunch or dinner with the 5er in tow???

 

[ScottLewis]

Instead of B****ing about the food and/or parking, we should be celebrating that there's another option to get online when travelling.

That's all.



Dan

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Instead of B****ing about the food and/or parking, we should be celebrating that there's another option to get online when travelling.

That's all.



Dan

CONGRATULATIONS on an up-beat viewpoint - looks like the Holiday spirit has missed the households of a few members here... :-laf



I like to have my laptop PC along on trips, to keep tabs on Email, whether we still have $$$ in the bank - and a few other online activities - and yeah, another available option IS something to cheer about, rather than growl over...



Might persuade a few OTHER such places to do the same - many interstate rest stops, fueling stations and RV campgrounds are already active with WIFI - the more the merrier! Oo.

 

[Tractorat]

Instead of B****ing about the food and/or parking, we should be celebrating that there's another option to get online when travelling.

That's all.



Dan

Thats my point. Ive sat in the parking lot of motels to "steal" a free wireless connection. But the connection usually really sucks. And, I think I've actually had the motel notice what I was doing and cut off the connection.



You can usually find a Mcdonalds right off the highway. Their coffee isnt bad, and you get a chance to get a relaxing break while you check your email.



TRat

 

[Bob Cochran]

I am so dumb it is hard to believe maybe my age of 63!!! My current computer I use a USB broadband wireless modem works most places. This laptop supposed to be WIFI enabled and I have no clue how to use it or connect to a WIFI hotspot. Anybody as dumb as me!!!! Oh and Merry Christmas to all and bah humbug to the scrooges!!! Where is a 7 yo kid when you need one I woudl liek to know he probably could do this WIFI stuff in his sleep.

 

[BSMcCauley]

I just tried to use the wireless internet connection at the McDonald's off I-45 on 105 in Conroe, TX today and I was presented with my choice of three different PAY service providers. No free internet at this one at least!

 

[MMeier]

Well, whatever floats your boat. BTW, I havent EATEN at Mcdonalds for years and years either. But, I do drink their coffee.



I see RV's parked in the larger McDonalds parking lots all of the time. Or, at least parked near by. It's just a resource that can be found just about anywhere. And, if you need to get on the internet when you are on the road, its fairly easy to find.



But, if you dont want to eat there, don't. I don't, the food will kill you. But, the coffee beats starbucks any day of the week.



TRat

Careful with that coffee... I hear they serve it hot !!

 

[Grizzly]

Hoorah for McDonalds. Smart move on their part. I like them having WiFi and they are good for a quick lunch or breakfast now and then while you're traveling. They do have good coffee and soft drinks. They usually have clean restroom too, which is another plus.

 

[tolmsted]

Are you smarter than a fifth grader?

Merry Christmas to all.

 

[Tractorat]

I think I heard it is some time in January before they start the free internet

 

[Bill Stockard]

Since we haul a truck camper and it will go and fit anywhere the truck goes, we "troll" with our laptop for a free wifi hotspot. We've found that we can park outside book stores, office supply stores, near a motel, or a resturant parking lot and pick up on their wifi connection. It's surprising how many hot spots we've found in small towns.



Thanks for the McDonald's tip. We like their coffee and some of the breakfast menu, but don't buy their other food.



Bill

 

[THoltz]

I just heard on the news that McDonald's will be making internet access free at 11,000 of their 14,000 US locations. That will make road trips a lot easier for those of us that really need to get on the internet, even when we are on vacation

Thanks Tractorat. That is good to know. Never know when you might need info off the internet even if you haven't been there in 25 years.

 

[jelag]

we use Qwest (local phone company) for our DSL connection at home... They have an agreement with something like 18,000 locations to allow their users to sign on free... One of the larger users is Starbucks... I can't tell you how many times I've either parked out front (before or after hours) with the truck and logged on... Qwest's agreement also includes AT&T locations as well...

I assume as we move towards retirement that might change to a cell phone card... with one of the carriers then we're hot all the time. .