Free WiFi at McDonald’s starting 01/15/10

On January 15th, 2010 McDonald’s will be providing free access. There has been much speculation as to whether or not you can get access to the free WiFi without any purchase involved. No details yet, but I’m sure everybody is wondering how it’s all going to work. I plan to test it out on Friday. I wonder what Starbucks is gong to do to keep some of their customers? I haven’t heard any news yet.  My local Starbucks and McDonald’s are about 1 block from each other.  Both are within walking distance from where I live.  So, you could say, they’re both competing for my business.  For me, it all boils down to convenience of WiFi access.  Taste and price of coffee or specialty drinks might play a small roll in the equation.  We’ll see how this plays out a few days from now.