BETHESDA, Md.
Marriott International has dropped its efforts to block Wi-Fi hotspots in its hotels, prompted in part by widespread customer feedback via social media and other channels.
Marriott, in conjunction with the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) had previously made a request to the FCC for permission to block Wi-Fi access in its conference spaces through the deployment of preventative technology stopping the use of PDAs as Wi-Fi "hotspots." Wireless providers such as Google and Microsoft were among those companies urging the FCC to deny Marriott’s request.
While many guests perceived Marriott’s efforts to block event space Wi-Fi as part of a larger endeavor to prevent guest room and hotel lobby access as well, company representatives insisted the move was tied to security purposes that included the prevention of cyberattacks and other possible network disruptions.
Regardless, Marriott has now dropped its efforts, releasing an official statement on Wednesday stating their intentions and perspective on the matter:
“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, and will continue to work with the industry and others to find appropriate market solutions that do not involve the blocking of Wi-Fi devices.”
