Hilton and Internet firm fined for Wi-Fi jamming
Tuesday, 03 Nov, 2015
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The Federal Communications Commission plans to fine two more companies over the practice of blocking personal wireless hotspots at hotels.
The agency proposed a $718,000 fine against Wi-Fi provider M.C. Dean which blocked signals at the Baltimore Convention Center between November and December of 2014.
The blocking technology it used also allegedly disrupted Wi-Fi signals outside the venue.
M.C. Dean said it would challenge the fine.
"Consumers are tired of being taken advantage of by hotels and convention centers that block their personal Wi-Fi connections," said Travis LeBlanc, head of the FCC’s enforcement office.
"This disturbing practice must come to an end. It is patently unlawful for any company to maliciously block FCC-approved Wi-Fi connections."
The FCC also proposed a smaller $25,000 fine against Hilton Worldwide for impeding the agency’s investigation into a similar charge of Wi-Fi blocking at some of its properties.
Hilton disputed the claim, saying it had fully cooperated with the investigation.
"Hilton supports open access to private Wi-Fi networks for our customers through their personal devices, while at the same time protecting their personal information," a Hilton spokesperson said in a statement.
"We have a policy in place that states our commitment to secure open access and prohibits hotels from blocking Wi-Fi, and it is repeatedly communicated to all properties.
The FCC fined Marriott $600,000 last year for blocking guests’ mobile signals at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center in Nashville.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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