Marriott wants to block Wi-Fi hotspots
By David Goldman, CNN
Google and Microsoft have joined a growing chorus of businesses that oppose Marriott’s attempt to block guests’ Wi-Fi hotspots in their hotel rooms.
Marriott and the hotel lobby American Hospitality & Lodging Association asked the FCC this summer to allow hotels to deploy equipment that prevents people from turning their phones into Wi-Fi hotspots.
In order to avoid pricey hotel Wi-Fi charges, many guests opt to use their data allotment from their cell phone provider, connecting their laptops to the Internet via their smartphones.
At Marriott connection rates start at $14.95 per day. For $19.95, guests get “enhanced high speed Internet” which includes video chatting, downloading large files and streaming video.
I’ve had the same challenge at other properties as well. It’s such a ridiculous charge and sheer profit mongering. I vote with my dollars and stay elsewhere.
In no way is this reasonable and smacks of big business’ assault on net neutrality.
I talk with my dollars and won’t stay anywhere that doesn’t provide free wi-fi.
Maybe it’s time for the City to open talks with Google and others to bring stronger better access generally to the town.
$15 a day for WiFi when you’re already paying $150+ for a room? I wouldn’t stay at a hotel that charges for WiFi.
Hmmmmm… How do you connect your laptop (or iPAD) to the internet via smart phone? I can get internet on my iPhone, but it is hard for my old eyes to read – would prefer if I could read on my iPAD.
Irish you can attach you phone to tour iPad via a wire some phones are able to act as a hotspot and you can connect you device to it.
if they are worried about their customers security. ThenI would never use there WiFi as it is obvious that their security systems are not up to par.i