by bintangkecil on Wednesday, December 16th, 2009 | Business, News, Tech/Gadget

McDonalds is making a big move to become the largest provider of free wi-fi internet access in the world. According to reports, in January 2010 the company will be working on giving free internet Wi-fi to customers.

Previously the service had cost $2.95 for everyone except AT&T subscribers, who got it without charge (AT&T being the provider). The firms have now struck a deal to waive that charge in 11,000 of the 14,000 US locations from January.

A McDonalds spokesman says customers won’t have to purchase any food to use the Wi-Fi.

McDonald’s is preparing to engage in a Wi-Fi battle with Starbucks and other major chains that offer Wi-Fi access. It’s not uncommon to see coffee drinkers sitting in Starbucks and Peet’s using their laptops while sipping on coffee. Starbucks offers two hours of internet service for $3.99, and has around 11,000 locations.

“We’re not just about hamburgers,” said Dave Grooms, McDonald’s CIO, in an statement to the AP. “We are about convenience and all kinds of value. McDonald’s is about value — value in our food, value in our services. It’s a natural fit.”

Tags: at&t, dave grooms, free wifi, mcD free wifi, McDonald's, mcdonald's CIO, mcdonalds free wi-fi, mcdonalds free wireless internet