Hilton faces fine for wi-fi jamming
Hilton Worldwide is facing a $25,000 fine for allegedly obstructing a US investigation into claims that it blocked guests from using their own wi-fi hotspots at some of its hotels.
The Federal Communications Commission in the US has also fined wi-fi provider M C Dean $750,000 for blocking delegates’ signals at the Baltimore Convention Center for two months in 2014.
"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."
Hilton disputed the FCC allegations, 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.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11