A roar of approval was voiced across the land this week when Starbucks headquarters announced that all Wi-Fi service will now be "gratis" at the upscale cafe outlets around the country.
Undoubtedly, the switch in policy was - in part - due to the fact that in recent days McDonalds has been stealing some of Starbucks' thunder on the competitive java terrain.
Last year, McDee's introduced their McCafe line of specialty coffees at lower cost, for instance.
Then, earlier this year, the No. 1 fast-food take-out-joint introduced free Wi-Fi to their down-to-earth customers who appeared to care more about - burgers, fries, and big gulps - than they do about free access to the Internet.
Indeed, on the past few occasions that I have patronized McDonalds in California and Nevada, I haven't spied many taking advantage of the twin arches generous WiFi offer.
One problem?
In spite of the fact McDee's has rovided the free Wi-Fi service nationwide, they have yet to install enough "electrical outlets" to lure in more upscale patrons along the lines of those who frequent Starbucks.
Uh-huh!
The McDee's I am sitting in right now in the Mojave Desert only has one wall plug to facilitate powering up when the battery is low.
Stingy bast**ds!
No matter.
McDonalds is a far cry from the ambience that Starbucks offers anyhoo!
For good reason.
How many savvy internet users could tolerate the endless stream of McDee's counter persons screaming out at the top of their lungs ad nauseam.
"Order 32! Sausage Biscuit with Cheese! Senior Coffee!"
Even still, I applaud the fast-food-chain for forcing Starbucks' hand.
As to whether there will be any available seats in Starbucks henceforth - in view of the welcome turn-of-events - that's an entirely different matter altogether to ponder.
News at 11!
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