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Free Wi-Fi: the business decision

By offering free Wi-Fi at its outlets, McDonalds has suddenly become the largest free Wi-Fi provider in New Zealand.
Written by Darren Greenwood, Contributor

By offering free Wi-Fi at its outlets, McDonalds has suddenly become the largest free Wi-Fi provider in New Zealand.

The move brings Maccas in New Zealand into line with Australia and some other countries where free Wi-Fi has been available under the Golden Arches for quite some time.

As noted at Kiwiblog, this is a sound, sensible move that should drum up extra trade that will more than outweigh the cost in supplying it.

In an increasingly competitive environment, businesses need to consider what makes them different and how can they beat their rivals.

Already, the thought of it is making me crave for an Angus Burger with all the trimmings!

When on the road, I have often used the free Wi-Fi available at certain outlets. Free Wi-Fi has often been a deciding factor in where I would eat, drink or stay.

I'm not into Starbucks, but Esquires makes acceptable coffee.

The public libraries in many New Zealand regions also offer free wireless, as many do in Australia.

I have often enjoyed using the free Wi-Fi from Kawakawa library in Northland which you can access from the delightful cafe across the road.

When in my hometown in England, I will drink in a certain pub, as opposed to the six or so others in the town centre, because it too has free Wi-Fi.

I am sure the example set by McDonalds will see others follow.

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