SBC Communications Inc. on Monday announced an agreement with Wayport Inc. that will allow SBC to offer customers wireless high-speed Internet access in up to 6,000 McDonald’s restaurants by the end of next summer.
SBC, the No. 2 local phone company, will give customers the option through FreedomLink, its wireless high-speed Internet service using Wi-Fi technology. Under the pact, SBC Internet Services companies also will provide high-speed business DSL Internet access to Wayport for backhaul transport at McDonald's Wi-Fi restaurants located in SBC’s 13-state territory.
In April, Wayport announced being selected by McDonald’s to build Internet hotspots at restaurants across the country. Wayport leases its network to other service providers at such venues as airports and hotels.
SBC disclosed plans last year to install more than 20,000 FreedomLink hotspots in 6,000 venues over the next three years throughout its 13-state territory and develop an integrated Wi-Fi and third-generation wireless service. SBC plans to install approximately 1,500 Wi-Fi hotspots at stores owned by UPS by the end of the year.
