O2 wins McDonald's Wi-Fi contract

O2 has secured a five-year agreement to deliver wireless broadband services to McDonald's restaurants across the UK.

Under the new deal, O2 Wifi will take over the running of the service across the entire 1,200-strong network of restaurants in time for the London Olympics.

The network operator was the UK's first major fixed-line or mobile provider to launch a large-scale free Wi-Fi proposition, while McDonald's has been offering in-store wireless internet connectivity since 2007.

Recent research from the fast food retailer showed that 750,000 customers log on in its restaurants every month.

After they have signed up for the first time, customers will be able to connect to the Wi-Fi service at any McDonald's restaurant and O2 Wifi hotspot throughout the country.

Gavin Franks, managing director of O2 Wifi, said: "This announcement builds on the significant partnerships already secured by O2 Wifi in the past 12 months, enabling millions of people the length and breadth of the UK to access the internet for free."

The news comes just a matter of weeks after O2 Wifi revealed it will provide free wireless internet connectivity to 1,600 Mitchells & Butlers restaurants across Britain.