Evidently wishing to turn their fast-food operation into the sort of digital watering-hole that coffee establishments such as Starbucks and Tully's have become, McDonald's has enabled free wi-fi access for all their customers.

Initially, a $2.95 charge accompanied the usage of the restaurant's Internet access, paid hourly. The fast-food giant has been privy to the notion of free wi-fi in the past, but customer abuse (i.e. using the Internet without buying any McDonald's products -- the nerve) led to the price being raised.

Seeking to transform the franchise from "fast-food place" to a "destination", the higher-ups at the McDonald's corporation hope that this change will attract gamers and online chatter-heads alike who wouldn't mind opening their laptops without plunking down cash for a McDouble.

[Wall Street Journal]