Marriott backs down on Wi-Fi

BETHESDA, MD Marriott International has decided to withdraw as a party to the petition seeking direction from the FCC on legal Wi-Fi security measures.
The hotel group was criticised by consumers and media for blocking guests from using their own Wi-Fi networks in meeting and convention facilities.
Marriott now says it was only attempting to protect personal data in Wi-Fi hotspots for large conferences held on its premises.
inside no 4“We thought we were doing the right thing asking the FCC to provide guidance, but the FCC has indicated its opposition. As we have said, we will not block Wi-Fi signals at any hotel we manage for any reason,” said Marriott International global chief information officer, Bruce Hoffmeister.
The complaints followed when guests attending events at a Marriott property could not use their own Wi-Fi devices. They were forced to buy the hotels connection.
The group’s hotels offer free Wi-Fi to all members of its rewards programme if they book directly with the properties. This has also upset travel agents who claim the move discourages travellers from booking Marriott hotels through travel firms.
“We’re doing everything we can to promote our customers’ connectivity using mobile and other devices, and we’re working with the industry to find security solutions that do not involve blocking our guests’ use of their Wi-Fi devices,” the group’s statement read.

sourced:ttrweekly.com