UPDATE: PPCSG has received the latest information on this. Apparently, the outage was due to some issues on the service provider (Skynet Global) end. These have been resolved and access was back up yesterday afternoon. Hopefully, our favorite Wi-Fi Internet access is back for good. Can any one verify this?

Yes, this is for real. Today marks the end of the free Wi-Fi Internet service for McDonald's customers at all its restaurants. Hence, you probably could not find any hotspot now. We knew it will come to this eventually. Oh well, at least it was good while it lasted. So what is the cause for this decision? Too many free-loaders? People abusing the free access? Technical difficulties in charging users? A conspiracy with telcos so we have to fall back on expensive GPRS/3G? Or does it all boil down to profits? Share your anguish and tell us what you think.

I am pissed

I will not eat and drink n Mcdonald anymore!

looks like most of us here are classified as free-loaders...

haha...
i only surf once at mac...
that's it...
haha...
at least i did surf before it ended...

anyway that logo is so nice and creative..."incorporating" mac slogan
haha

That is sad. Well, just have to hunt for elsewhere now.
Do they still provide Wi-Fi at all? I mean like I buy something and they give me a password to use the Wi-Fi like some other places?

Geez .. it was such a conveniant service. especially since Macs are found everywhere. If they open up the power points and charge a "reasonable" fee for the service .. might just sign up for it ..

Then it's pretty much means, delete Spb Weather (i only use Wi-Fi in mac, freeloader)

2nd, sell Wi-Fi card.

hi Bright,

the last time i heard is that they are making it official...means paying a sum monthly and you will get unlimited access surfing via skynetglobal...but looks like its still on-hold now...

well...lets wait for furthur news on that...

lol ... lucky i use Wi-Fi mainly in my sch and home!

hi Smartboy4,

the next best alternative now is to subscribe to the Starhub wireless service for $10 per month...you can use at all Starhub access points all over Singapore...

I think the cost of providing free Wi-Fi is peanuts to MacDonald. Even if you are a freeloader most to the time, there is likely to be one or more occasions that you buy a coke, a packet of fries, a burger or something. Free Wi-Fi actually "attracts" customers for MacDonalds. It is business. So, why stop it?

May be Mac is pressurised by Telcos to stop free Wi-Fi.

Quite dissapointed. I just got my device for 2 months now and manage to log into it's network only once so far because no time to go there to surf. Was really hoping to be able to do more there but at least I did manage to log it into their network to test my device other than my home network.

sigh... admit i am a freeloader... go there for work sometimes... now might as well go somewhere else...

I am not surprised that they stop free Wi-Fi.

Nothing in this world is for free. Most likely, they have signed up with Skynet Global where Macs will allow Skynet Global to install the Wi-Fi network with all costs borne by Skynet Global. In return, Skynet Global gets to collect the charges when the service becomes chargeable. There must be a profit model for Skynet Global to continue providing the service for Macs. It can't be free.

Alternatively, Macs could be paying Skynet Global to provide the service. I don't think the cost is peanuts. It can be quite substantial. In terms of dollars and sense, i seriously doubt that the free wireless service has brought in so much business that otherwise would not have come to Macs. From what I can see, most (although not all) of the free-loaders just buy a drink or two and spent hours there, often tapping onto the electrictiy supply. Together with students studying there on the strength of a drink or two, choice seats are often taken and occupied for hours. In many crowded Macs, families who go there cannot find a place to seat. I sometimes pity Macs.

hmmm i feel they should keep it on at places like mac cafe.
Though fewer. it IS a cafe right ?

I remember i saw a article in one of the papers talking about this. Ain't they changing the point from B to G to support for newer device with faster access point. And it will take months. If not wrong is today newspaper some days back.

Anyone can verify?
But i don't have Wi-Fi also, so its okay, Lol.

no wonder I couldn't surf this a.m. at my local McD. My device kept trying to go GPRS, so I did a soft reset, and still the same. I guess I no longer need Resco Radio now as that's the only place I use it.

Will investigate Starhub. Are they the provider in Starbucks in Lait Tower?

hi Luscious,

THIS is what i am talking about...

and Coffee Bean is one of the Starhub wireless broadband hubs...for the full list, check out HERE

Yeah.. l recalled once while waiting for someone at Mac.... one of the waiter had to go to one of these "freeloader" and ask

"Sir, would you like to have some drinks or meal... ", something like that..

Anyway, gone the days l tapped on their Wi-Fi outside the Macs to log on :(

I believe that they are not looking at the Big Picture in Public Relations and Marketing. It is sad that they Withdraw the Wi Fi connectivity, as it has become known in whole of Singapore on Big Mac's Big Heart Service. Now the general public will have a re-think.
It affects more of the matured students who patronises the usage and they are the important clientel and future executives.
At the end of it, it is sad that they have to come to this decision.
The general thoughts is that nobody will take the trouble to lug their notebook and surf there or do their work, if there is, it is just a minority.

Oh well, I guess good things must come to an end sooner or later. Though it's not going to affect those who logon to MSN once in a while (sometimes I don't have my Wi-Fi card with me), we're now short of one place to leisure-surf for free.

I think my gf will be more than pleased, that I will pay more attention to her at mac rather than on my ppc.

Hmm .. I always at least purchase a drink when I surf at Macs. If i'm at Mccafe. I will defintely get a mochacinno (the fave mocha latte at the moment).

And I need a meal, i would almost defintely go for Macs cuz I can surf at the same time.

But that's just me. The Starhub wireless access is starting to look pretty attractive at 10 bucks a month.

Oh dear. Ah well.. You'd expect this to come to an end anyway. Too bad, but it was a really popular service. Just pop into any Macdonalds and you'd see laptops and PDAs up and running.

Ya, same sentiments for many guys who are attached!

hmm, I know google strives to provide Wi-Fi so the world could surt the internet and have access to various resources (and collect $ through ads).

Why can't skynetglobal or macdonald do the same? The next alternative is to wait fo PacNet to enrolll WiMax - which wouldn't be anytime soon.

this is a big blow to me, i live on second floor just above McDonalds, how could they do this to me ??? Joking lah :)

Yes, I guess I will miss surfing there as well, just when my oc bought a laptop, timing really sucks

don't worry guys, maybe can wait for KFC's free Wi-Fi! :)

arghh jsut after i cancel my Wi-Fi plan :(

haiz.I am thinking to buy PDA.Seem like i have to drop the idea...cause can't use Wi-Fi except at home

Hi Chee Wee, bad news. But where is the press release from McDonald's?

Will they replace the free Wi-Fi with paid Wi-Fi, or just throw away all their gear?

Well, at least we have used it before... its a pity though. I used to go there for my breakfast and surf for like the duration of my meal. Really an added value that they had... I feel that from a Marcom's POV, it might be an observation to see if the crowd and profits drop or remain constant.

Chances are, if its re-introduced, there would either be paid sub or free (which might be unlikely)

I think it is unlikely for them to release a press release on this. In any case, I got the heads up from a friend who works in this industry. :-)

oh no... i'm always a loyal supporter of Mac. especially their McSpicy (with or without free Wi-Fi)

i only surf once at Mac.. to register myself as their member...

sad.. sad.. sad...

Read from HWZ that they are stopping the Wi-Fi in mac due to upgrading so that newer laptops can access to their internet . Maybe I am wrong .

Not true lei,

i can still access Internet at some Macs , 1 at the city and another one in the northern island.

hmmm... maybe need a few more days till its totally removed?

I can still scan the skynetglobal network, but cannot connect. I've tried it in numerous Macdonalds, such as Tampines, Admiralty, Tiong Bahru, Bedok, Sembawang.. All no hope leh.

I also tried at ToaPayoh, not working. But anyways, still can use in office and at home, should be enough with no chatting in Mac anymore :D

past by McDonald's during the late afternoon and its quite different now.. u don't see any laptops in there..

all the other Wi-Fi services will not be as convenient as Macs and they are everywhere, or clear to find with their huge "M" signboard. The infrastructure is already there and paid for. All Mac needs to do is to continue to subscribe to the service...
In anycase, alot of times I go to Mac is to buy some snacks , a drinkg and to surf...looks like I will be popping in lesser now.
i was close to the point of buying a Wi-Fi notebook just for this but now....:-(
I do have singnet Wi-Fi access by default but their hot spots are in burger king, so much lesser choices than at Mac and of course, its a paying service.

BTW, anyone here actually confirm on location that they cannot access Wi-Fi at Mac??

I wasn't able to access since ages ago already, so no difference to me =(

UPDATE: PPCSG has received the latest information on this. Apparently, the outage was due to some issues on the service provider (Skynet Global) end. These have been resolved and access was back up yesterday afternoon. Hopefully, our favorite Wi-Fi Internet access is back for good. Can any one verify this?

I was in Mac@Toa Payoh this morning. No problem using Wi-Fi.

Next time be careful boss, please check before posting "News", otherwise PPCSG may be sued by MacD- for disinformation dissemination -a disconcerting disaster.

excellento! Wi-Fi is back and running ... tried it at tiong bahru and its fine...

Hi Symphony,
There is a distinct difference between a honest mistake due to miscommunication and a vicious attempt to spread rumors. Still, a mistake is a mistake and hence the clarification with an update. Thanks for the advice and concern.

I'm just glad that it's back!

Most of us don't realise the value of things that we take for granted until it is taken away. Maybe it was an attempt by Macdonald's to jolt us into action. Next time when you surf-for-free at Macdonald's, don't just buy a drink. Buy a complete meal, upsize it, add nuggets, dessert and another drink!

ha hah...was at IT show and decided not to buy a Wi-Fi notebook due to no wireless...but seems I can buy now....