Where would you go if Starbucks wasn't around? We asked, and you voted on the best cafes in O.C. 
Jack in the Box secretly rolls out free Wi-Fi in some O.C. units
February 21st, 2008, 3:00 am · 4 Comments · posted by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer and Blogger
New on the Fast Food menu
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Get ready to Google over a Sirloin Ciabatta Sandwich. 
Jack in the Box is secretly testing free Wi-Fi in at least nine California and Arizona restaurants — including two in Orange County, according to Knowzy.com. The “not ready for prime-time” online magazine is penned by San Luis Obispo resident Jeff Lawlor.
As a self-confessed techie and fast-food nut, Lawlor — Knowzy’s founder — called the free Wi-Fi discovery a “life-changing development.”
I’d have to agree. Fast-casual chains such as Panera Bread and independent cafes have offered free Wi-Fi for a long time. Starbucks plans to revamp its Wi-Fi program in the spring, the company said last week. But, I can’t think of any other major fast-food burger chain that provides its customers free broadband. McDonald’s provides diners a paid service called WayPort (through AT&T). It costs $2.95 for 3 hours of internet access, the company said.
Carl’s Jr. spokeswoman Beth Mansfield said providing free Wi-Fi “is on our radar
since it is quickly becoming something that customers are asking for.” Lake Forest-based Del Taco is also considering adding Wi-Fi.
Kathleen Anthony, a spokeswoman for Jack in the Box, confirmed Lawlor’s discovery but declined to provide any more details about the program.
“It’s something we’re testing, but it’s too premature to talk it about at this time,” Anthony said.
According to Lawlor’s sleuthing, the Jack in the Box units that offer free Wi-Fi in Orange County are in Irvine and Brea.
To get the addresses of these hot spots, click here. Once there, Lawlor provides detailed directions on how to access the Internet. (Apparently, purchase is required to obtain access, but the site gives tips to navigate around that.)
I have a suspicion that more hot spots are out there. If you run into any other Jack in the Box hot spots in Orange County, please write in and post the location here.
Also, if you have a favorite fast-food joint that offers free Wi-Fi, chime in.
Related links:
February 21st, 2008 at 7:54 am
Knowzy needs to add the location at 4625 W Coast Hwy in Newport Beach. It’s quite nice actually.
February 21st, 2008 at 9:41 am
Free Wi-Fi? Great!! Now Jack, bring back the Bonus Jack!
February 21st, 2008 at 10:33 am
Hey. Thanks Maurice for the recon.
Keep ‘em coming.
February 21st, 2008 at 11:30 am
Thank you Nancy for the very nice write-up.
Thanks also for getting the statement out of Jack HQ that I couldn’t. For some reason, none of the companies involved in Jack Wi-Fi were eager to acknowledge their secret plans to a magazine called “Knowzy.” Go figure!
A little follow-up on McDonald’s Wi-Fi: The service is now free to AT&T DSL customers. You just need to use your sbcglobal.net or att.net login.
McDonald’s is, let’s say, not my favorite fast food restaurant. Nonetheless, I’ve found myself there several times since the announcement a few weeks ago.
I begin to question my priorities when I find free the Wi-Fi more appetizing than the food being served!
You can read the McDonald’s announcement here:
http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=205917206
Free Wi-Fi at Carl’s and Del, huh? I’ll start sniffing out signals today!
Maurice: Thanks for the tip. I’ll add it to the list today.