Marriott backs down on Wi-Fi blocking bid
Marriott International said it is abandoning its quest to block guests’ private Wi-Fi networks in its hotels after coming under criticism from the travel industry and tech firms such as Google and Microsoft.
The hotel group had sought regulatory permission from the Federal Communications Commission to block personal Wi-Fi hotspots in its meetings and even spaces to preserve internet security, it said.
The issue came to a head after Marriott’s Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center allegedly used jamming technology to block attendees’ personal Wi-Fi connections, ultimately forcing delegates to pay up to $1,000 to use to the hotel’s Wi-Fi connection.
The FCC found Marriott had violated Section 333 of the Communications Act of 1934 and fined the company $600,000.
Marriott, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association filed a petition with the FCC asking to permit WiFi blocking in meeting areas but has now backtracked and said it will look at other solutions to ensure internet security is not compromised in its hotels.
"Marriott International listens to its customers, and we will not block guests from using their personal Wi-Fi devices at any of our managed hotels. Marriott remains committed to protecting the security of Wi-Fi access in meeting and conference areas at our hotels. We will continue to look to the FCC to clarify appropriate security measures network operators can take to protect customer data," a Marriott statement said.
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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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